Pooran steps down as West Indies captain after humiliating T20 World Cup

Skipper Nicholas Pooran has stepped down from his position as captain of the two-time T20 World Cup champion team West Indies on Monday. 

Pooran attributed the decision to "the great disappointment of the T20 World Cup." West Indies failed to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup after winning only one match in the preliminary group stage. 

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Despite being matched alongside teams such as Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Scotland, the West Indies finished last in the table.

After Kieron Pollard retired, Pooran was selected as West Indies captain in ODIs and T20Is in May of this year.

"I have given the captaincy a great deal of thought since the enormous disappointment of the T20 World Cup. I took on the role with great pride and dedication and have given it everything over the past year," Pooran said in a statement.

"The T20 World Cup is something that must not define us, and I will readily get involved in the upcoming reviews. And whilst it will be several months until we reconvene as a squad, I want to give CWI plenty of time to prepare for the matches against South Africa in March and beyond."

Porran also stated that he would continue to play for the West Indies team as a player.

"This is not me giving up. I remain ambitious and still view the captaincy of West Indies cricket as an honor that is bestowed upon you. There is no doubt I remain fully committed to West Indies cricket, and I look forward to providing my services as a senior player in a supportive role. By stepping down now as the West Indies white-ball captain, I believe it is in the team's best interests and for me personally, as I need to concentrate on what I can deliver to the side as a player. I desperately want us to be successful, and the most value I can give to the team is through fully focusing on the role of consistently scoring runs at crucial times," Pooran said.

"I am very thankful to CWI for the opportunity and faith shown in me and for the support that I have received from our devoted fans since taking the role, and to my teammates who have worked so hard as well. I know we have it in us to carry West Indies cricket forward and be proud."