Nicholas Pooran, the former captain of the West Indies white-ball team, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. In his career, Pooran made 1983 runs in 61 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 2275 runs in 106 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), marking him as a significant figure in West Indies cricket history.
Pooran’s decision comes despite his recent absence from the T20I series against England and his last participation in ODIs being during the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers. The announcement was unexpected, especially given his statement last November about the potential to play another hundred T20Is, a comment made during his 100th T20I appearance.
In a heartfelt statement released on social media, Pooran expressed his emotions: “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. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
He extended his gratitude to his fans, family, friends, and teammates, stating, “Your belief and support carried me through it all. 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 international debut for the West Indies came in 2016 against Pakistan, and he made his ODI debut three years later against England. He assumed the role of white-ball captain in 2022 but relinquished the position following the team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup in Australia. His last appearance for the West Indies was in December 2024, during a home T20I series against Bangladesh.
The year 2024 was standout for Pooran, as he hit most sixes in a single year (170) and ended the IPL 2025 strong with 524 runs at a striking strike rate of 196.25, achieving five half-centuries. He was anticipated to play a critical role in the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026.
Outside international cricket, Pooran remains a prominent player in the global franchise scene. This summer, he is expected to participate in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred, adding to his regular appearances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Indian Premier League (IPL), and International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE.
In T20Is, Pooran departs as the West Indies’ most capped player and leading run-scorer, featuring an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39. In ODIs, his performances include an average of 39.66 and a striking rate of 99.15.
Cricket West Indies expressed their appreciation in a statement on Monday, “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.”
