In a move that has left the cricketing world stunned, Nicholas Pooran, one of West Indies’ most dynamic white-ball cricketers and their former captain, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the young age of 29. The explosive left-hander, known for his powerful hitting and charismatic presence, made the emotional revelation via social media, drawing the curtain on a promising yet unpredictable international career.

A Sudden Goodbye from a Flourishing Career

Pooran’s decision comes as a surprise to fans and experts alike. Just seven months ago, in November 2024, when he played his 100th T20I match for the West Indies, Pooran spoke of his ambition to play “100 more”. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon and his recent form peaking, this announcement has come at a time when many believed he was entering the prime of his cricketing journey.

In his heartfelt 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. 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 also expressed gratitude to the fans, his family, teammates, and the wider Caribbean community, emphasizing that while his international chapter is closing, his love for West Indies cricket will remain eternal.

A Look at His Career Numbers

Nicholas Pooran made his T20I debut back in 2016 against Pakistan in the UAE, and by 2019, he was a part of the ODI setup, debuting against England. Over the next several years, he became a mainstay in West Indies’ white-ball sides. In 106 T20Is, Pooran scored 2275 runs at a strike rate of 136.39 and an average of 26.14. His ODI career, though shorter with 61 matches, was more consistent, with 1983 runs at an impressive average of 39.66 and a strike rate of just under 100.

He holds the record for being West Indies’ most capped T20I player and also their highest run-scorer in the format—an achievement that cements his legacy in the shortest format of the game.

Captaincy and Turning Points

Pooran’s leadership era began in 2022 when he was named West Indies’ white-ball captain. However, things didn’t go as planned. The team’s shocking early exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia that same year led him to step down from the captaincy—a decision that, for many, marked a shift in his international career.

Despite this setback, he remained a vital figure in the team, playing a key role as a senior player. His final appearance in maroon came in December 2024 against Bangladesh in Kingstown during a home T20I series.

A Spectacular 2024 and IPL 2025 Season

If 2022 was a disappointment, 2024 was redemption. Pooran smashed a world-record 170 sixes across formats in the calendar year—the most by any cricketer in a single year. Then came IPL 2025, where he dazzled fans with 524 runs at a staggering strike rate of 196.25, featuring five quickfire fifties. He was seen as a sure-shot pick for the West Indies’ 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. Hence, his retirement now feels more like an unfinished symphony.

Franchise Star and the Road Ahead

While his international journey ends, Nicholas Pooran’s cricketing story is far from over. He will continue to entertain fans across the globe through various T20 leagues. A regular in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pooran is also set to feature in Major League Cricket (MLC), The Hundred, and UAE’s ILT20 in the coming months.

Franchise cricket, with its freedom and flexibility, seems to have captured Pooran’s full-time interest—much like several other modern-day cricketers who have opted for a similar path.

Cricket West Indies’ Tribute

Soon after his announcement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) issued a statement praising Pooran’s contribution to Caribbean cricket. “We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond,” CWI said. “We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”

Final Thoughts: An Unexpected Farewell

Nicholas Pooran’s retirement might seem premature, but it reflects a trend in contemporary cricket—where players often find greater value, both financial and personal, in franchise leagues over national duty. While fans may feel a sense of loss, especially given Pooran’s recent form and influence, his legacy as one of West Indies’ finest modern white-ball cricketers is firmly intact.

His statement concluded with a powerful message: “Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade.” And surely, the cricketing world won’t forget the flair, fire, and flamboyance that Nicholas Pooran brought every time he wore the maroon.