Pooran Stuns Cricket World with Shock International Retirement at 29
St. John’s, Antigua – In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing fraternity, West Indies’ dynamic left-handed batter Nicholas Pooran has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The surprising decision, revealed via an Instagram post on Monday, June 9th, leaves a significant void in the West Indies’ white-ball setup, especially with a T20 World Cup just eight months away.
Pooran, who holds the record for most T20I runs for the West Indies, surpassing even the legendary Chris Gayle, stated that “after much thought and reflection,” he had decided to step away from the international arena. In his heartfelt message, he expressed immense pride in representing the West Indies and having had the privilege of leading the team.
“Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field… it’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me,” Pooran wrote. “To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
This retirement comes just days after Pooran reportedly requested Cricket West Indies (CWI) not to consider him for the ongoing white-ball series against England, citing a need for rest after a demanding IPL 2025 season with the Lucknow Super Giants, where he was a standout performer.
Pooran’s decision underscores a growing trend in modern cricket, where players are increasingly prioritizing lucrative franchise leagues over the demands of international duty. At 29, and seemingly at the peak of his T20 prowess, his departure from international cricket is a stark reminder of the financial and personal attractions offered by global leagues.
Throughout his international career, which began with his T20I debut in 2016 and ODI debut in 2019, Pooran played 106 T20Is and 61 ODIs, accumulating over 4,000 runs across both formats. He was a key figure in the West Indies’ T20 plans, known for his explosive hitting and wicketkeeping skills. He captained the white-ball teams in 2022 before stepping down after a challenging T20 World Cup campaign.
While Cricket West Indies acknowledged Pooran’s contributions with “sincere gratitude and appreciation,” his absence will be keenly felt. His dynamic batting and leadership potential were seen as crucial for the future of West Indies cricket, particularly in the shortest format.
The cricketing world now grapples with the implications of such early retirements, prompting discussions about the balance between national duty and the burgeoning landscape of franchise cricket. Pooran’s decision, much like South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen’s recent international retirement, serves as a significant wake-up call for cricket boards worldwide to address the evolving priorities of their top players.
As Nicholas Pooran embarks on the next chapter of his cricketing journey, primarily focused on franchise leagues, his international career will be remembered for its thrilling moments and the undeniable talent of a player who consistently entertained fans with his aggressive style. His departure at 29 leaves many wondering what might have been, and what this trend means for the future of international cricket.
