West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket at the age of 29, delivering a major shock to the cricketing world. Pooran made the announcement via a statement on Instagram, describing the decision as “difficult” and expressing gratitude for the privilege of representing and leading the West Indies team.
Career Stats
Record-Breaking Career Cut Short: Pooran retires as West Indies’ all-time leading run-scorer and most capped player in T20 Internationals, with 2,275 runs in 106 matches, and also played 61 ODIs, amassing over 4,200 runs across formats.
Departure at His Peak: Pooran’s decision comes just eight months before the 2026 T20 World Cup, a tournament where he was expected to play a pivotal role for the Caribbean side.
Franchise Focus: His retirement is seen as part of a growing trend where elite players choose lucrative franchise leagues, such as the IPL, over international commitments. Pooran’s blistering form for Lucknow Super Giants (524 runs at a strike rate near 200 in IPL 2025) underscores his value on the global T20 circuit.
Leadership Legacy: Pooran captained West Indies in both T20Is and ODIs, including leading them to a memorable 4-1 series win over Australia, and was widely regarded as a game-changer for the team.
Emotional Farewell: In his statement, Pooran thanked fans, teammates, and family, emphasizing the emotional weight of stepping away from the maroon jersey, and vowed his love for West Indies cricket would never fade.
Context and Impact
Pooran’s retirement comes just eight months before the 2026 T20 World Cup and follows his recent request to Cricket West Indies (CWI) to not be considered for the white-ball series against England, citing a need for rest. He last played for West Indies in December 2024 and has not participated in ODIs since July 2023.
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Pooran’s decision is seen as part of a broader trend of top players stepping away from international cricket to focus on lucrative franchise leagues worldwide. He is expected to continue his franchise cricket career, having recently played for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and holding contracts in other leagues.
Statements
Pooran reflected on his journey:
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket… To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart. 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.”.
Cricket West Indies acknowledged his contributions, calling him “a world-class player and a game changer” and thanking him for his impact on West Indies cricket.
Legacy
Nicholas Pooran retires as one of the most dynamic and successful T20 batters in West Indies history, leaving a significant void in the team’s middle order and leadership group as they prepare for future international tournaments.
