Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket at 29
In a surprising move, West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from international cricket on June 10, just shy of his 30th birthday. Taking to social media, Pooran described this choice as a “very difficult” one, leaving behind an impressive record of over 4,000 runs in 61 T20 Internationals and 106 One Day Internationals.
This decision came shortly after he requested a break from the recent white-ball series in England, following a busy season with the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Pooran had been in spectacular form, scoring 524 runs in 14 matches for his franchise at an astonishing strike rate close to 200.
“In making this tough decision, I have reflected deeply,” Pooran shared in an Instagram post. He once served as the captain of the West Indies T20 team and now retires just eight months before the next T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“This sport has provided me with incredible joy, purpose, and unforgettable memories. It was an honor to represent the West Indies. Wearing our maroon colors, standing for the anthem, and giving my all on the field means everything to me. Being the team captain is a privilege I will cherish forever.”
Pooran expressed gratitude towards his fans, family, and teammates, thanking them for their support throughout his career. His journey began in 2016, with his last ODI appearance in July 2023. He was part of the squad during the previous year’s T20 World Cup and played his final T20I in December 2024.
He emphasized his ongoing support for West Indies cricket, stating, “While this chapter closes, my love for West Indies cricket will always remain. I wish the team all the best for the future.”
Moving forward, Pooran will focus on his T20 career, participating in franchise leagues globally. He was one of the highest-paid players in the IPL 2025, retained by Lucknow for a whopping Rs 21 crore.
Pooran’s retirement highlights a worrying trend in international cricket, particularly in the Caribbean, where many talented players are choosing lucrative T20 leagues over national representation. Notably, Pooran did not receive a central contract from Cricket West Indies in 2024, while several all-format players were awarded multi-year deals.
His departure echoes recent retirements in international cricket, such as South African star Heinrich Klaasen, who also stepped away at the age of 33.
