Nicholas Pooran, one of West Indies cricket’s most prolific white-ball performers, has officially retired from international cricket at the age of 29. The Trinidadian wicketkeeper-batter exits as the most capped and highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals for the West Indies, closing a landmark career with 106 appearances and 2,275 runs.
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran shared in a statement on
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T20I legacy: Records and leadership
Pooran leaves behind a remarkable T20I career, setting new benchmarks in West Indies cricket. With 106 matches, he became the most capped West Indian in the format, surpassing Chris Gayle’s run tally with 2,275 runs at an average of 26.14. His career-best 98 against Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup was one of several standout innings.
His leadership contributions also stood out. As vice-captain, he led West Indies to a 4-1 T20I series win over Australia in 2021. Promoted to full-time white-ball captain in 2022, he led the squad into that year’s T20 World Cup in Australia but resigned from captaincy after a disappointing early exit.
“To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart,” Pooran said.
ODI achievements and missed Test debut
In the ODI format, Pooran featured in 61 matches for the West Indies, scoring 1,983 runs, including three centuries. He was part of the squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, despite his promise and form, he never earned a Test debut—an anomaly in an otherwise distinguished international run.
His final international appearances came in 2023: an ODI against Sri Lanka in Harare and a T20I against Bangladesh in Kingstown.
IPL form and franchise cricket focus
Pooran’s decision comes after a dominant 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Lucknow Super Giants. He tallied 524 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate near 200 and an average over 40. His growing preference for franchise cricket became clear when he opted out of West Indies’ series against England and Ireland due to IPL commitments.
A complex journey, a lasting legacy
Despite facing setbacks—including a 2019 suspension for ball-tampering—Pooran rebounded to become one of the faces of West Indies’ white-ball resurgence. His career combined explosive batting, resilient leadership, and an emotional commitment to the maroon jersey.
“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,” Pooran wrote.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) paid tribute to Pooran in an official statement:
“Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career. 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.”
What’s next for Nicholas Pooran?
Although Pooran’s international cricket career has ended, his presence on the global T20 stage is stronger than ever. With continued success in the IPL and other leagues, he remains one of the world’s most in-demand franchise cricketers.
As West Indies cricket transitions to a new era, Nicholas Pooran’s legacy — a fusion of talent, grit, and leadership — will remain one of the defining stories of modern Caribbean cricket.
