Nicholas Pooran retires from international cricket at age 29, shares emotional message with fans
West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran shocked everyone by announcing his retirement at the age of 29 international cricket. Pooran played 61 ODIs and 106 T20I matches for West Indies between 2016 and 2024. He shared this decision on social media where he talked about his cricket journey, emotional connection, and fans’ support.
Announced retirement on Instagram
Advertisement
Pooran posted an emotional message on his Instagram where he wrote, “After thinking a lot and looking back at my career, I have decided to retire from international cricket. This game has always given me purpose, happiness, and memories. Wearing the West Indies jersey and playing for my country was like a dream.”
He also said in his post that for him, cricket is not just a game but a strong feeling that will always stay with him. Playing at the international level was his dream that came true.
His captaincy journey was special, but he stepped down
Nicholas Pooran not only played for the West Indies but also captained the team. He led the team in 30 matches across different formats and won 8 of them. But after West Indies got knocked out in the group stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup, he left the captaincy.
He said In his statement, “Whenever I wore the maroon jersey, stood for the anthem, or played a match, I always gave my best. Being the captain of the team was an honour that I will always remember.”
Thanked fans, family, and teammates
Pooran also thanked his fans in the retirement post. He said, “You all supported me during tough times, and whenever I performed well, your happiness became mine too. Without you, this journey would have been incomplete.”
He also mentioned his family, friends, and teammates. “Your support and trust were always with me. This journey would not have been possible without you,” Pooran wrote.
Took a break from recent tours, now officially says goodbye
Advertisement
Nicholas Pooran had already taken a break from international cricket a while ago, which is why he was not selected for the current tours of Ireland and England. But now he has officially ended this break with his retirement.
He said, “Even though this chapter of my international career is closing, my love for West Indies cricket will never end. I will always send my best wishes to the team.”
Career stats: Pooran was impactful in both ODIs and T20Is
In ODI cricket, Pooran played 61 matches and scored a total of 1983 runs, including 3 centuries and 11 fifties. As a wicketkeeper, he also had 25 dismissals – 23 catches and 2 stumpings.
In T20 Internationals, he scored 2275 runs in 97 innings with a strike rate of 136.39. He hit 23 fifties, and his highest score was 98.
Cricket West Indies gives official reaction
After Pooran announced his retirement, Cricket West Indies also released an official statement. The board said, “Nicholas formally informed us about his retirement decision. This ends a big chapter of his international cricket career.”
In the statement, the board highlighted Pooran’s contribution and said, “He was not only a high-class batter but also a real game-changer. He played the most T20I matches (106) for West Indies and is the team’s top T20I run-scorer (2275 runs). His performance on the field and his impact in the dressing room will always be remembered.”
Pooran’s legacy and love for cricket stays strong
Pooran’s international career may have ended, but his impact and love for West Indies cricket will always stay. He will continue playing franchise cricket, but his journey in the maroon jersey is now officially over.
Nicholas Pooran retirement: West Indies batter retires from international cricket at age 29. Read about his full career journey and the board’s official reaction.
ALSO READ: ICC Hall of Fame 2025 Batch: List Of 7 Players
Advertisement