Nicholas Pooran: Career Overview and Recent Developments
Nicholas Pooran, the former West Indies T20I captain and one of the most dynamic left-handed batters of his generation, announced his retirement from international cricket on June 10, 2025, at the age of 29. Pooran made the announcement via Instagram, describing the decision as “very difficult” and expressing gratitude for the privilege of leading and representing the West Indies. His retirement comes as a major surprise, just eight months before the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
International Career Highlights
- Debut: Pooran made his T20I debut in 2016 and ODI debut in 2018 for West Indies.
- Matches Played: 61 ODIs and 106 T20Is.
- Runs Scored: Over 4,000 runs across ODIs and T20Is.
- 1,983 ODI runs at an average of 39.66 and strike rate of 99.15.
- 2,275 T20I runs (the most by any West Indies player), at a strike rate of 136.39, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- Leadership: Served as vice-captain and later captain in both white-ball formats, including leading the team in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
- Notable Achievements: Named the “rising star” of the 2019 World Cup by the ICC, and was the leading run-scorer for West Indies in that tournament.
Reasons for Retirement
Pooran’s decision is part of a broader trend of West Indies players choosing franchise T20 leagues over international duty, influenced by greater financial opportunities and workload management. He had recently requested not to be considered for the England white-ball series, citing the need for rest after a busy IPL season.
Franchise and T20 League Career
Pooran remains active in franchise cricket worldwide. In IPL 2025, he was one of the highest-paid players, retained by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹21 crore, and had a standout season with 524 runs at a strike rate near 200. He has also played for various teams in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket (USA), and other global T20 tournaments.
Legacy and Future
Pooran’s explosive batting, leadership, and wicketkeeping skills made him a fan favorite and a key figure in West Indies cricket. He has stated his ongoing support for West Indies cricket as a fan and well-wisher, even as he transitions fully into a T20 league specialist.
Summary Table: Nicholas Pooran’s Key Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 61 | 1,983 | 39.66 | 99.15 | 1 century, 11 fifties |
| T20I | 106 | 2,275 | 28.44 | 136.39 | West Indies’ highest T20I run-scorer |
Pooran’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for West Indies cricket, but his impact will continue in the global T20 circuit.
