Former West Indies T20I captain Nicholas Pooran announced his sudden retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.
Nicholas Pooran Shocks Cricket World with Sudden International Retirement
Former West Indies T20I captain Nicholas Pooran surprised the cricketing world on Tuesday by announcing his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The left-handed batter, who recently played for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, calling the decision “difficult” and describing his time leading the national side as a “privilege.”
Nicholas Pooran international career spanned 61 T20Is and 106 ODIs, during which he amassed over 4,000 runs across both formats. His announcement comes just days after he requested to be rested for the white-ball series against England, hinting at the need for a break.
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran wrote. His decision is particularly shocking with just eight months to go before the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
Check out the full Pooran statement
Nicholas Pooran, the explosive left-handed batter and former West Indies white-ball captain, officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Pooran reflected on his journey, saying, “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.”
He described wearing the maroon jersey and captaining the side as deeply meaningful experiences: “Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had… it’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
Pooran made his international debut in a T20I against Pakistan in 2016, followed by his ODI debut in 2019 against England. Over the years, he became known for his aggressive batting and flair in the middle order, accumulating over 4,000 runs in 61 T20Is and 106 ODIs. In 2022, he was named West Indies’ white-ball captain, but stepped down after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in Australia.
He thanked fans and supporters in his message: “To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love… To my family, friends, and teammates – thank you for walking this journey with me.” He closed by reaffirming his love for West Indies cricket: “Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead.”
Pooran’s sudden retirement comes just eight months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, leaving fans and cricket pundits stunned.
