Nicholas Pooran Retirement: One of T20’s Most Fearless Finishers Retires at Just 29 Years Old

Dynamic West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket at just 29. Pooran is the West Indies most experienced player in T20Is and also their highest run-scorer in the format.

His sudden exit is a big setback for a team still trying to rebuild, especially in white-ball cricket after failing to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pooran is currently in top form in last year, he hit the most sixes (170) in the format. In the recently concluded IPL season, he crossed 500 runs in a single edition for the first time and smashed 40 sixes, the highest in the tournament this year.

From a young boy with a dream to wear the Maroon, to a global star inspiring millions — WI thank you, Nicky P. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/2UPsXCGQgy

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 9, 2025

He wasn’t selected for the current tour of England and Ireland after he had asked Cricket West Indies for a break. Pooran never played Test cricket for West Indies. He made his T20I debut in September 2016 and played his first ODI in February 2019. However, he hasn’t featured in ODIs since West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup.

Pooran also captained the team in white-ball formats during 2022 but managed to win just 8 of the 30 matches. After West Indies were knocked out in the first round of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, he stepped down as captain. With only eight months to go before the next T20 World Cup, West Indies will now have to find a strong replacement to fill the gap he leaves in the middle order.

“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.” Nicholas Pooran shared in a heartfelt post on Instagram.

“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.”

"Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career. 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 made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket.” CW said in a statement.

Nicholas Pooran – Format-Wise Batting Performance

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