In a move that has taken cricket fans and experts by surprise, West Indies star Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of just 29. The explosive batter, known for his fearless strokeplay, is walking away from national duty to focus entirely on franchise-based T20 cricket.

Quick Read:

• Nicholas Pooran retires from international cricket at age 29.
• Scored over 4,000 runs in 106 ODIs and 61 T20Is.
• Made the announcement via social media on June 10, 2025.
• Recently played for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, scoring 524 runs.
• Was not offered a central contract by Cricket West Indies in 2024.
• Says he’ll continue to support West Indies cricket as a fan.
• Retirement comes just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
• Joins a growing list of players choosing T20 leagues over national duty.

Nicholas Pooran, one of the most gifted batters of his generation, has officially stepped away from international cricket—at just 29 years old. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the left-hander shared a heartfelt message on Instagram confirming the news, describing his decision as one of the hardest of his life.

Cricket fans around the world were shocked. This wasn’t just any player ending his career. Pooran had become a key figure in West Indies cricket, known for his style, power-hitting, and ability to change the outcome of games on his own. Throughout his international career, he scored over 4,000 runs in 61 T20 Internationals and 106 One Day Internationals.

Although Pooran’s retirement may seem unexpected, there had been signs in recent months. He requested to be rested from West Indies’ recent white-ball tour of England, right after a successful campaign with the Lucknow Super Giants. In that tournament, he was outstanding, scoring 524 runs in 14 games with an impressive strike rate close to 200.

This performance, along with the ₹21 crore he earned as a retained player, highlighted the growing appeal of franchise T20 cricket. For many players, especially those from the Caribbean, the financial and professional benefits of these leagues now surpass the attraction of international play.

In his heartfelt farewell post, Pooran wrote:

“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.”

He mentioned that captaining the West Indies was one of the greatest honors of his career and thanked fans for their loyal support through both good times and bad. His message wasn’t just a farewell; it was a love letter to a nation and a sport that had a major impact on his life.

Pooran made his debut for the West Indies in 2016 and last represented the national team in a T20I in December 2024. He captained the side in T20Is from 2021 to 2022 and also played in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. However, he was notably excluded from Cricket West Indies’ list of central contract players in 2024, a decision that surprised many, given his status.

Even though he is stepping back from international duties, Pooran stressed that he remains a “die-hard fan” of West Indies cricket:

“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.”

His departure adds to a growing list of high-profile players who are opting for franchise cricket over international careers. Recently, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen also ended his international career at the age of 33.

This trend is particularly concerning for West Indies cricket, which has seen many top talents prioritize global T20 leagues in recent years. Financial issues, inconsistent management, and scheduling conflicts have all contributed to this talent drain. Pooran’s exit could lead to more discussions about how boards like Cricket West Indies can keep their stars amid the rise of T20 cricket.

Looking ahead, Nicholas Pooran is expected to continue shining in T20 tournaments worldwide. From the IPL to the Big Bash, CPL, and The Hundred, he is now a full-time T20 player, free from national commitments, but still bringing the style that made him a fan favorite.

Whether this marks a permanent farewell or a temporary break remains uncertain. But for now, one thing is clear: West Indies cricket has lost one of its brightest stars far too soon.