Nicholas Pooran, one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and gifted modern-day cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by breathtaking strokeplay, tenacity and moments of brilliance in maroon and gold.
The 29-year-old Trinidad and Tobago-born batter shared the news in a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West Indies.
“After much thought and reflection, I've decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran wrote. “This game we love has given and will continue to give me so much joy, purpose and 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."
He added, “To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in tough moments and celebrated the ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends and teammates – thank you for walking this journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all.”
Pooran’s international career was defined by both explosive performances and an inspiring personal journey. In 2015, a serious car accident threatened to derail his dreams before they truly began. The young wicketkeeper-batter suffered a torn patella tendon and fractured bones in his leg, spending nearly a year in recovery. But with the backing of senior players like Kieron Pollard, he returned to the game, earning a CPL contract with the Barbados Tridents and beginning a journey that would soon light up global T20 leagues.
He made his breakthrough in West Indies colours in late 2018 with a 24-ball half-century against India in Chennai, and soon after was fast-tracked into the 2019 World Cup squad. In that tournament, he emerged as one of West Indies’ standout performers, scoring 367 runs at an average of 52.47, including a sublime 118 from 103 balls against Sri Lanka—his only ODI century and a lasting highlight of his career.
Pooran also served as West Indies’ white-ball captain, a role he called “a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
Though his international stats—54 ODIs for 1,634 runs at 36.31 and 88 T20Is for 1,848 runs at 25.34—tell part of the story, it was Pooran’s audacity and flair that captivated fans. His shot-making, particularly against spin, and his ability to accelerate an innings made him one of the most feared batters in the T20 format.
He has also been a mainstay on the IPL circuit. After initial stints with Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, his stocks soared in 2022 when Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him. He moved to Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 and made an immediate impact. Pooran’s finest IPL season came in 2024 when he piled up 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.31. He followed that up with 524 runs in the 2025 edition, averaging 43.66 with a blistering strike rate of 196.25.
Even as he steps away from representing the West Indies, Pooran made clear that his connection to Caribbean cricket remains unbroken.
“Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies cricket will never die,” he wrote. “I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead.”
Pooran’s retirement leaves a void in West Indies cricket—particularly in the T20 format where his presence, experience, and firepower were invaluable. But his journey, from teenage prodigy to international star and franchise powerhouse, will continue to inspire a new generation of Caribbean cricketers.