New Delhi: Nicholas Pooran took a surprising decision on Monday, leaving fans and experts alike reeling as he announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29. The West Indies star player is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic white-ball players of his generation.
Pooran shared the news on social media, bringing an end to a career that blended brilliant highs with occasional controversy. He donned the maroon jersey for his country proudly over the years and expressed his deep emotions about representing the West Indies in a heartfelt message. “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 wrote. “To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”
His career saw him become the West Indies’ leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals, which is a testament to his explosive batting and consistent contributions in the shortest format. In 106 T20Is, Pooran amassed 2,275 runs, often leaving opposition bowlers at his mercy.
A career of highs and lows
Pooran’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. He was handed a suspension in 2019 after a ball-tampering incident against Afghanistan- an episode that briefly threatened his international career. But he rebounded with resilience, later leading the West Indies to an impressive 4-1 T20I series victory over Australia in 2021.
In 2022, he was entrusted with the role of permanent white-ball captain but resigned after the team’s disappointing exit in the first round of the T20 World Cup.
A white-ball specialist
While Pooran have shone brightest in T20Is but he was also a key figure in the 50-over format. In 61 ODIs, he scored 1,983 runs at an impressive average of 39.66 including three centuries. His ability to accelerate innings and deliver under pressure made him a mainstay in the West Indies’ white-ball setup. He also represented the team at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage.
Tributes pour in
Cricket West Indies acknowledged Pooran’s impact on the game, describing him as a “game-changer” and thanking him for his “outstanding contributions.” Fans and former teammates have also flooded social media with tributes, praising his skills and passion for the sport.
Nicholas Pooran’s retirement marks the end of an era for West Indies cricket. While his international journey concludes, his influence and the memories he created on the field will be cherished by cricket fans worldwide.
Nicholas Pooran stuns cricket fans, announcing retirement from international cricket at 29, calling it a hard yet heartfelt decision. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
