WEBDESK: Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years old. The West Indies batter, known for his explosive style and big-hitting ability, shared the news on June 9, 2025, via a heartfelt social media post.
The Trinidadian represented the West Indies 167 times for West Indies, scoring 1983 ODI runs at 39.66 at a strike rate of 99.15, and 2275 T20I runs, the most by a West Indies player, at a strike rate of 136.39.
Pooran made his T20I debut for the West Indies on 23rd September 2016 against Pakistan. Since then, he has played 106 T20 matches — the most by any West Indies player. He amassed 2,275 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39, including 13 fifties. His highest score in T20Is is 98.
He made his ODI debut against England on 20th February 2019. Over 61 matches, Pooran scored 1,983 runs at an impressive average of 39.66. His ODI tally includes 11 fifties and 3 centuries, with a highest score of 118.
Pooran participated in the 2014 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup before debuting for the West Indies in T20I against Pakistan at the 2225 level in 2016.
The West Indies selectors named Nicholas Pooran in the 2019 Cricket World Cup squad after he made his ODI debut in 2018.
He was nominated as vice-captain for the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup, and following this took on the captain’s role in both white-ball formats across six months in 2022, when he also led the team in the World Cup.
His last appearance for West Indies came during a T20I series against Bangladesh in December 2024. He had also opted out of the ongoing T20 series against England, citing the need for rest after a packed IPL season with the Lucknow Super Giants.
Cricket West Indies thanks Nicholas Pooran
Pooran’s growing involvement in global T20 franchise leagues likely influenced his decision to retire. He plans to continue playing in the IPL, The Hundred, and Major League Cricket. His move mirrors a broader trend where players prioritize lucrative franchise opportunities over national duties – another example is that of Heinrich Klaasen recently announcing retirement.
Cricket West Indies thanked Nicholas Pooran for his service in a statement on Monday.
“We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond,” the statement read.
“We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”
It is understood Pooran told West Indies of his retirement on Monday.
