ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the cricket world, West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, June 10, 2025, at just 29 years of age.
The Trinidad-born power-hitter, who holds the record for most T20 International runs and appearances for the West Indies, made the announcement through a heartfelt post on Instagram, bringing an unexpected end to a remarkable international career.
A Career Defined by Explosive Batting
Pooran’s retirement comes at the peak of his powers, following what many consider his best year in 2024. The left-handed batsman made headlines by hitting a record-breaking 170 sixes in the calendar year, showcasing the explosive batting style that made him one of the most feared T20 players globally.
His exceptional form continued into the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he amassed 524 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries. This stellar performance had positioned him as a key figure in the West Indies’ plans for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.
Leadership and Legacy
Pooran’s international journey included a stint as captain of the West Indies white-ball teams, though he stepped down from the captaincy in November 2022. Despite the leadership challenges, he remained one of the team’s most valuable assets with his aggressive batting approach and wicketkeeping skills.
The Trinidadian cricketer, who attended Naparima College in San Fernando and represented his school’s cricket team, rose through the ranks to become the Caribbean team’s premier T20 batsman and one of the most destructive white-ball hitters in world cricket.
Timing Raises Questions
The timing of Pooran’s retirement announcement has surprised many in the cricket fraternity, coming just days after similar decisions by other prominent T20 stars Glenn Maxwell and Heinrich Klaasen. The move has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the increasing trend of players prioritizing lucrative franchise cricket over international commitments.
With stints lined up in Major League Cricket, The Hundred, and the ILT20, Pooran’s cricket journey continues in the global T20 circuit, though his international career has now concluded.
Official Response
Cricket West Indies has expressed gratitude for Pooran’s contributions to West Indies cricket. The organization acknowledged that Pooran had officially informed the leadership of his decision, bringing to a close what they described as “a significant chapter in his career.”
The retirement represents a major loss for Caribbean cricket, removing one of their most talented and marketable players from the international stage at a time when his explosive batting could have been crucial for the team’s future campaigns.
As the cricket world processes this unexpected announcement, Pooran’s legacy as one of the most exciting T20 batsmen of his generation remains secure, even as fans lament the early end to his international journey.
