In a surprising development, West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday, June 10, at just 29 years old. Renowned for his explosive batting and leadership, the left-hander broke the news through an emotional social media post, leaving fans and the cricketing world stunned and contemplative.
A Shocking Exit from the Maroon
Nicholas Pooran, widely regarded as one of the standout talents of his generation, called his retirement a “very difficult” decision, reached after deep thought and personal reflection. In an emotional message, he shared, “Cricket has given me immense joy, purpose, and countless unforgettable memories, along with the honour of representing the West Indies. Wearing the maroon, hearing the anthem, and giving my all on the field—it’s a feeling beyond words.”
The announcement came just days after Pooran opted out of the recently concluded white-ball series in England, requesting rest following an intense IPL 2025 season with the Lucknow Super Giants. Representing Rishabh Pant’s side, Pooran was in spectacular form, hammering 524 runs in 14 matches at a staggering strike rate of nearly 200.
Career Snapshot: A Generational Talent
Nicholas Pooran began his international journey in 2016 and rapidly earned a reputation as a fan favorite, thanks to his fearless strokeplay and energetic presence at the crease. Across his career, he scored over 4,000 runs in 61 T20 Internationals and 106 ODIs. From 2021 to 2022, he led the West Indies T20I team, steering a young squad through a critical rebuilding phase.
His final ODI appearance came in July 2023, while his last T20I outing was in December 2024. Although his retirement comes just eight months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Pooran retires content with his decision.
“Captaining the team was an honor I’ll always cherish,” he shared. “And to the fans—your support during highs and lows meant everything to me.”
Continued Passion for the Game
While Nicholas Pooran’s international chapter comes to a close, his cricketing journey is far from finished. A marquee name in the global T20 circuit, he continues to be one of the most in-demand players in franchise leagues. In IPL 2025, he was among the highest earners, retained by the Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering Rs 21 crore—a testament to his explosive talent and enduring appeal.
Despite stepping away from the international stage, Pooran reaffirmed his deep connection to West Indies cricket. “Though this chapter ends, my love for West Indies cricket will always remain. I wish the team and the Caribbean nothing but success and resilience in the journey ahead,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Nicholas Pooran’s retirement marks the end of an impactful era in West Indies cricket. While his absence will be deeply felt, his contributions – both with the bat and as a leader – have left an enduring legacy. Fans across the Caribbean and beyond will now look forward to watching Pooran ply his trade as a global T20 star, but with a bittersweet sense of what might have been had he continued at the international level.
