Pooran shocks everyone with international retirement as he finishes as WI’s most-capped and highest run-scorer.
Nicholas Pooran shocks everyone after announcing his international retirement at the age of just 29.
He ends with 2275 runs in 106 T20Is and 1983 runs in 61 ODIs.
Pooran had not played in ODIs since the West Indies’ elimination from the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers and had recently chosen not to be included in the West Indies’ T20I series against England. His retirement, meanwhile, is unexpected because Pooran only hinted at playing 100 more Twenty20 Internationals in November of last year, when he received his 100th cap.
Pooran makes retirement statement
Pooran wrote on Monday: “After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket. 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.
“To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends and teammates – thank you for walking the journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all. 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.”
Nicky P’s WI career
Three years after making his West Indies debut against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in 2016, Pooran was awarded his first ODI cap against England. He was named the white-ball captain of the West Indies in 2022, but he resigned following a terrible T20 World Cup in Australia. In a home Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh in Kingstown in December 2024, he made his final appearance for the West Indies.
However, 2024 was perhaps his best year, as he smashed the most sixes in a calendar year (170) and finished the 2025 Indian Premier League with 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries. Early in the following year, he was also anticipated to play a significant role in West Indies’ preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“Cricket West Indies extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket,” a statement from CWI said on Monday.
“We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”