In a surprising development, Nicholas Pooran has retired from international cricket at the age of 29, marking the end of a career that saw him become a prominent figure in West Indies’ white-ball cricket setup. The announcement has stunned fans and cricket pundits alike, especially given Pooran’s recent performances and expectations surrounding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Nicholas Pooran, the former West Indies white-ball captain, took to social media to declare his decision. His message reflected deep gratitude and emotional attachment to the West Indies cricket team. Pooran’s international cricket retirement comes at a time when he was in the form of his life in T20 leagues worldwide.
A Sudden Call from a White-Ball Veteran
Pooran made his international debut in a T20I against Pakistan in the UAE back in 2016. He later earned his first ODI cap in 2019 against England. Known for his flair and aggressive batting, Pooran played a total of 106 T20 Internationals and 61 One-Day Internationals, finishing as West Indies’ most capped T20I player and their highest run-scorer in T20Is.
Just in November 2024, Pooran celebrated his 100th T20I appearance and mentioned in an interview that he could easily see himself playing another hundred T20 matches for West Indies. This makes his decision to retire from international cricket all the more shocking.
Pooran’s International Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 61 | 1983 | 39.66 | 99.15 | 11 | 2 |
| T20I | 106 | 2275 | 26.14 | 136.39 | 14 | 1 |
Nicholas Pooran’s retirement from international cricket closes a significant chapter for West Indies cricket. While he never played Test cricket, his impact in white-ball formats, especially T20Is, was immense. He was not only the most consistent middle-order batter for the West Indies but also one of the most explosive T20 batsmen in world cricket.
Recent Form in T20 Leagues
Despite stepping away from international cricket, Pooran continues to shine in the franchise circuit. In 2024, he smashed 170 sixes, the most in a calendar year, showcasing his devastating power-hitting. He followed it up with a brilliant IPL 2025 campaign, scoring 524 runs at a blistering strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries.
He remains a key player for several franchises, including those in the IPL, CPL, MLC, ILT20, and The Hundred. His T20 expertise ensures he will continue to be a valuable asset in global cricket leagues even after his international retirement.
The Road to Retirement
Pooran had opted out of West Indies’ T20I series against England earlier this year and hadn’t featured in ODIs since the team’s exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers. Though there were speculations about workload management, few anticipated a complete international retirement this soon.
In his farewell post, Pooran wrote:
“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 continued, highlighting his pride in captaining the West Indies and thanking fans, family, and teammates for their support. The statement carried the emotional weight of a man who cherished every moment of wearing the maroon jersey.
A Thank You from Cricket West Indies
Cricket West Indies (CWI) also issued a formal statement:
“Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket. 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.”
A Legacy in White-Ball Cricket
Nicholas Pooran’s international cricket journey may have ended at 29, but his influence will be felt for years to come. His ability to change games single-handedly, his leadership qualities, and his consistency in T20 leagues have made him a household name in the cricketing world.
While fans will miss seeing Pooran in West Indies colours, his career in franchise cricket is far from over. Nicholas Pooran’s retirement from international cricket is a reminder of the changing dynamics in modern cricket, where players increasingly prioritize longevity and workload over national commitments.
As he steps away from the international arena, Nicholas Pooran leaves behind a legacy as one of the finest white-ball players of his generation.