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Nicholas Pooran Announces Shock International Retirement
Follow UsPooran, who finished as the highest run-getter in T20Is for the West Indies, is also the most capped T20I player for the team.
In what was truly a shocking announcement, West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran decided to call it quits in international cricket on June 9 (Monday). He announced his retirement through a social media post, thanking fans and sharing how proud he felt of wearing the maroon of the West Indies.
Pooran, who finished as the highest run-getter in T20Is for the West Indies, is also the most capped T20I player for the team that represents the entire Caribbean in international cricket.
In 106 T20Is, Pooran scored 2275 runs with 13 half centuries to his name. In ODIs, the Trinidad and Tobago-born man smashed 1983 runs in 58 innings, having last played the format in 2023. He has three ODI centuries to his name along with 11 fifties.
One of the most feared left-handers in present-day cricket, Pooran hit 175 sixes in the 2024 calendar year in T20s, and it was hence shocking to see that only the second West Indian after Kieron Pollard to have crossed the 100 T20Is milestone, and one who wished that he could play 100 more T20Is, decided to take a leave from international cricket at his peak.
But given his busyness with franchise cricket, where he plays in nearly all the leagues, it is only fair that he wanted to have a break and parting ways from international cricket would allow him that.
Here’s what Pooran said in his international cricket retirement post:
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. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.
To the fans - thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends and teammates - thank you for walking the journey with me. 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.
Cricket West Indies also thanked the wicketkeeper batter for his contribution to the game.
In a statement, they said, “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,” they added.