West Indies Nicholas Pooran in action.
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra, file
In a surprise and shocking announcement that has left the cricketing world in disbelief, West Indies star T20 batsman Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from international cricket.
What was described as a difficult decision, the 29-year-old, Trinidad and Tobago-born batter shared the news in a heartfelt statement.
“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,” Pooran wrote.
“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 this journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all,” Pooran said.
“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.”
In a press release issued soon after his announcement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) thanked Pooran for his “outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket.”
“Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket.
“Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career,” the statement read.
“A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2,275 runs. His performances on the field and influence within the team have impacted 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 best in the next phase of his journey,” the release added.
The announcement came after Pooran’s record-breaking 2024, when he scored the most T20 runs in a calendar year.
His 2331 runs scored at an average of 40 eclipsed Mohammad Ri-Ewan’s T20 record for a calendar year 2,036.
Pooran also hit the most sixes in a calendar year in T20 cricket, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous record of 135 sixes by smashing 139 sixes.
Pooran played in 398 T20s, scoring 9166 runs, three centuries, and 56 half-centuries.
After making his T201 debut against Pakistan in 2016, Pooran’s international breakthrough came when he hit his first half-century for West Indies off just 24 balls against India in Chennai in 2018.
He was then added to the World Cup squad and given an opportunity as West Indies’ No 4 despite limited experience in 50-over cricket.
In that tournament, he hit fifties against England and Afghanistan and a magnificent century against Sri Lanka. He finished the tournament with an average of 52.47 and a strike rate of 100.
