In a move that surprised the global cricketing fraternity, Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indies batter and wicketkeeper, officially announced his retirement from international cricket on June 10, 2025, at the age of 29. While Pooran had previously stepped away from West Indies ODI captaincy and taken intermittent breaks, this decision confirmed the end of a promising, if tumultuous, international career.
The announcement came via a heartfelt social media post, just days after the West Indies were eliminated in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, held jointly in the USA and Caribbean.
📅 The Retirement Announcement
Pooran made his retirement public through his Instagram handle, where he thanked the West Indies Cricket Board, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his journey. He wrote:
“It’s been an incredible honour to wear the maroon, but after deep reflection, I’ve decided to step away from international cricket to focus on personal priorities and professional goals in franchise cricket.”
The statement ended months of speculation about his future, especially after he opted out of bilateral series earlier in 2025.
🏏 Pooran’s International Career at a Glance
Nicholas Pooran made his international debut in September 2016 in a T20I against Pakistan. From there, he quickly rose through the ranks with his flair, audacity, and natural six-hitting ability.
Key Stats:
- T20Is: 88 matches, 1,987 runs, strike rate 140.5, 10 fifties
- ODIs: 59 matches, 1,736 runs, average 36.2, 2 centuries
- Tests: Did not play
He captained West Indies in both white-ball formats, taking over the ODI captaincy in 2022 following Kieron Pollard’s retirement. However, leadership results were mixed, and he stepped down after a poor showing in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
🌍 Why the Sudden Exit?
Pooran’s retirement is another major blow in an era where franchise leagues are redefining cricket priorities. While not entirely abrupt, several signs pointed to his changing focus:
- Franchise Commitments: Pooran has become a staple in T20 leagues like the IPL (Lucknow Super Giants), ILT20 (MI Emirates), CPL (Trinbago Knight Riders), and The Hundred.
- Load Management: Frequent travel, bio-bubbles, and national board disputes with Cricket West Indies may have weighed on his decision.
- Financial Security: Franchise contracts now offer higher earnings and more predictability compared to West Indies’ central contracts.
Pooran, like many modern cricketers, seems to be prioritizing career longevity and financial well-being over international appearances.
💥 Franchise Success Continues
Just days after his retirement announcement, Pooran smashed 97 off 35 balls* for MI Emirates in the ILT20 2025, showcasing why he remains one of the most feared T20 finishers in the world.
In the IPL 2024, he was among the top 5 run-scorers, finishing the season with 491 runs at a strike rate of 171. His value in franchise leagues is unlikely to wane.
🧩 Another Piece in the Puzzle – Franchise vs International Debate
Pooran’s retirement at just 29 fits into a broader and growing debate in world cricket: Are franchise leagues eroding the allure of international cricket?
Recent high-profile early retirements include:
- Ben Stokes (ODIs) – briefly retired to manage workload
- Quinton de Kock (Tests, ODIs) – opted for T20s and leagues
- Trent Boult – gave up central contract for franchise freedom
Cricket boards, especially those with limited financial muscle like the West Indies, are struggling to retain their stars in a competitive global T20 marketplace.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Nicholas Pooran’s decision to retire from international cricket at the age of 29 may come as a shock to many, but it reflects the evolving landscape of modern-day cricket. While fans will miss seeing him in maroon, his blazing willow will still light up stadiums worldwide in franchise cricket.
For West Indies cricket, it marks the end of yet another chapter in a long list of early departures. But for Pooran, it might just be the beginning of his second innings — on his terms.
As cricket transitions into a player-first era, retirements like Pooran’s are no longer anomalies — they are signals of the sport’s changing heartbeat.
