In a surprising development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, dynamic West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The decision, revealed by Pooran on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, brings an unexpected close to a significant chapter in the career of one of the most explosive batsmen in white-ball cricket.
Pooran, known for his audacious hitting and wicketkeeping prowess, leaves the international arena as the West Indies’ leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle. He represented the West Indies in 106 T20Is, accumulating 2,275 runs at an average of 26.14 and an impressive strike rate of 136.39. His T20I career highlight reel includes 13 half-centuries, with a top score of 98. In One Day Internationals, Pooran played 61 matches, scoring 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66, including three centuries.
The Trinidadian had previously captained the West Indies in limited-overs formats, taking over the reins in 2022. However, he stepped down after the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia that same year. Despite this, he remained a pivotal figure, especially in the shortest format, showcasing his destructive batting in various franchise leagues around the globe, most notably in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he had a stellar 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Pooran expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West Indies. “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,” he wrote. “To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.” He further thanked his fans, teammates, friends, and family for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) acknowledged Pooran’s contributions with sincere gratitude, stating, “His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.” While the exact reasons for his early retirement are not explicitly detailed, it is widely speculated that the growing allure and financial rewards of lucrative global T20 leagues, coupled with the demanding international schedule, may have played a significant role in his decision. This trend of players prioritizing franchise cricket over national duty is becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern cricketing landscape, and Pooran’s departure at such a young age further underscores this evolving dynamic.
Pooran’s retirement comes as a significant blow to the West Indies, particularly as they look to build a strong team for future tournaments. His absence will leave a void in the middle order and a challenge for the selectors to find a suitable replacement for a player of his calibre and experience. While fans express both disappointment and understanding, Nicholas Pooran’s decision marks the end of an exciting international career, leaving behind a legacy of exhilarating performances and a question mark over the increasing pressure on international cricketers in the age of global leagues.