Former West Indies captain announces shocking retirement from international cricket

Former West Indies captain and wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has announced his shocking retirement from international cricket at the age of 29, ending a career that spanned nearly a decade in white-ball formats.

Pooran, who made his international debut in a T20I against Pakistan in 2016, represented the West Indies in 61 ODIs and 106 T20Is. He scored 1983 runs in ODIs and 2275 in T20Is, becoming a key figure in the Caribbean lineup with his aggressive stroke play and calm presence behind the stumps.

The 29-year-old shared the news through a heartfelt post on his social media platforms on Tuesday.

“After much thought and reflection, I've decided to announce my retirement from international cricket. This game we love has given and will continue to give so much — joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies. Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade,” he wrote. 

Pooran last played for the West Indies in December 2024 during a T20I series against Bangladesh. He had opted out of the squad for the T20Is against England and had not featured in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.

Appointed white-ball captain in 2022, Pooran led the team through a difficult phase but stepped down after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in Australia. Despite the challenges, he remained a vital part of the squad with his explosive batting and leadership qualities.

The year 2024 turned out to be one of the most memorable in Pooran’s career. He smashed 170 sixes across formats—the most by any player in a calendar year.

In T20Is, Pooran retires as the West Indies’ most capped player and leading run-scorer, with 2275 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. In ODIs, he averaged 39.66 with a strike rate of 99.15, reflecting his effectiveness in both formats.

Cricket West Indies acknowledged his contributions in an official statement: “Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket. We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”