T20 Specialist Nicholas Pooran Announces Shock Retirement from West Indies Duty at 29
**Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago —** In a development that has stunned the cricketing world and sent ripples throughout the Caribbean, **Nicholas Pooran**, the explosive left-handed batter and renowned T20 specialist, has officially announced his **retirement from international duty with the West Indies** at the young age of **29**. The news, confirmed via a personal statement on his social media platforms and subsequently acknowledged by **Cricket West Indies (CWI)**, has left fans and analysts in disbelief.
Pooran, who was widely seen as a central figure in the West Indies’ limited-overs revival strategy, cited **personal priorities, physical demands**, and a desire to focus on franchise cricket as key reasons behind his early exit from international cricket.
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### **The Official Announcement**
In his heartfelt message to fans, Pooran wrote:
> “After deep reflection and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to step away from West Indies duties. Representing the Caribbean has been the honor of my life, but I believe the time has come for me to focus on new challenges and manage my professional commitments in a more sustainable way.”
He continued:
> “This isn’t goodbye to cricket. I will continue to play around the world and represent the spirit of West Indies cricket wherever I go.”
The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the **ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024**, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, where Pooran was one of the top run-scorers for his side, further adding to the shock of his decision.
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### **Career Overview: A Decade of Fireworks and Flair**
Nicholas Pooran made his international debut in 2016 and quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in white-ball cricket. Known for his **clean striking, 360-degree shot-making**, and clutch performances, Pooran brought flair and firepower to the West Indies batting order.
* **T20 Internationals (T20Is):**
* **Matches:** 88
* **Runs:** 1,750+
* **Strike Rate:** 142+
* **50s/100s:** 10 half-centuries, 1 century
* **One Day Internationals (ODIs):**
* **Matches:** 61
* **Runs:** 1,834
* **Average:** 35.26
* **Strike Rate:** 97
In 2022, he was appointed **white-ball captain** following Kieron Pollard’s retirement. Although his captaincy stint was relatively brief, he earned praise for his leadership maturity and commitment to rebuilding a young side.
His most memorable moments include:
* His blazing 118 against Sri Lanka in the 2021 T20I series.
* His heroics in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where he led the Trinbago Knight Riders to the title.
* His explosive IPL career, where he consistently drew attention with the bat for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.
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### **Reactions from the Cricketing World**
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from teammates, former cricketers, commentators, and fans across the globe.
**Jason Holder**, West Indies all-rounder and longtime teammate, wrote:
> “Gutted to see you step away, brother. You’ve always worn the maroon with pride. Wishing you the best for the next chapter.”
Legendary West Indies batsman **Brian Lara** commented during a live interview:
> “Pooran is one of the brightest talents to emerge from the Caribbean in recent times. His retirement at 29 is a major blow to West Indies cricket. But if this is what he feels is best for him, we must respect it.”
Fans, meanwhile, reacted with a mix of **shock, sadness, and gratitude**. Many expressed hope that the door might remain open for a future return, especially considering Pooran’s age and form.
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### **Cricket West Indies Responds**
Cricket West Indies issued a formal statement acknowledging Pooran’s decision, calling it a “personal choice that deserves understanding and appreciation.”
> “Nicholas Pooran has served West Indies cricket with skill, passion, and entertainment. While we’re saddened by his retirement, we wish him well in his career and are thankful for the memories he has given Caribbean fans and the wider cricket world.”
The board also hinted at future discussions regarding how to **retain top T20 talent** in a growingly franchise-dominated cricket landscape.
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### **Focus on Franchise Cricket**
Pooran’s retirement from international duty does not signal the end of his cricket career. In fact, he is expected to now **double down on franchise T20 commitments**, including:
* **Indian Premier League (IPL)**
* **Major League Cricket (USA)**
* **Caribbean Premier League (CPL)**
* **Pakistan Super League (PSL)**
* **The Hundred (England)**
* **Global T20 Canada and ILT20 (UAE)**
His name remains among the most sought-after in the T20 circuit, with multiple franchises already building squads around his batting prowess and wicketkeeping skills.
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### **Conclusion: A Farewell Too Soon**
At just 29, Nicholas Pooran walking away from international cricket is a **poignant moment** for West Indies cricket — a reminder of the shifting priorities in modern cricket where **franchise schedules, workload, and personal well-being** are influencing early retirements.
Pooran leaves behind a legacy of **bold batting, unmatched charisma**, and countless memories in maroon. As West Indies continues its path of reinvention, the absence of one of its brightest lights will undoubtedly be felt.
For now, the Caribbean will watch him light up stadiums across the globe, hoping perhaps one day he’ll don the West Indies jersey again.
**Farewell, Nicholas. But not goodbye.**
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