Nicholas Pooran Shocks Cricket World with Early Retirement at 29

Cricketers taking retirement at a younger age

In the recent past, several International cricketers have taken retirements at a young age and often declined the central contracts from the respective boards. For example, the South African wicketkeeper batsman Quinton De Kock had also shocked the cricketing world after he took his retirement from International Cricket after the T20 WC in 2024. 

Pooran’s retirement is a massive setback especially for West Indies cricket as the WI cricket is trying to revive itself after missing out on the qualification for the 2023 World Cup. Pooran at the age of 29, is at his peak especially in T20 cricket. He also holds the record for most number of sixes in the T20 format with 170 sixes. In the recently concluded IPL, Pooran was in outstanding form and scored more than 500 runs in the season and hitting 40 sixes in the entire season. 

Pooran’s Stint as a player and Captain

Pooran is not in the West Indies squad in the ongoing England vs West Indies T20 series as he had asked for a break. Pooran made his T20 debut in the year 2016 and his ODI debut in the year 2019. But he has been on and off from International Cricket especially in the ODI format. 

Nicholas has also captained West Indies both in the ODIs and T20 format but didn’t have a successful stint as West Indies have just won 8 matches out of 30 matches across both the formats. After the shocking exit at the first round of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Pooran had stepped down as the captain.

Retirement Announcement from International Cricket

In his statement on Instagram Pooran wrote “ 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.”

Pooran added “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.”
 

West Indies Cricket’s statement

Cricket West Indies have also paid its tribute in a statement: “ 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 International 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.”