n a move that has stunned the cricketing world, Nicholas Pooran, one of the most explosive limited-overs batters of his generation, has announced his retirement from international cricket — and fans are still struggling to process it.
At just 29, with years of top-level cricket ahead of him, Pooran’s decision has sparked both disbelief and speculation. Known for his fearless strokeplay, electric fielding, and leadership promise, his exit feels like a chapter closed far too soon.
The Sudden Goodbye
Pooran made the announcement via a heartfelt post on social media, thanking fans, teammates, and the West Indies Cricket Board for the journey so far. “It’s been an unforgettable ride wearing the maroon jersey, but the time has come for me to step away from international cricket,” the post read
There was no formal press conference, no extended farewell tour — just a quiet but powerful message that left fans wondering: why now?
At the Top of His Game
The most shocking part? Pooran was arguably at the peak of his career. He had just come off a stellar run in T20 leagues around the world — including a standout IPL season where his match-winning knocks and consistent finishing ability put him in the top tier of short-format players.
In the 2023 ICC events, he was one of the few bright spots for West Indies, showcasing both maturity and power with the bat. His aggressive yet controlled approach had started to draw comparisons to legends of the game.
From a statistical standpoint, Pooran was trending upward. His T20I average was solid, his strike rate impressive, and he had been viewed as a central figure in West Indies’ rebuilding phase.
So Why Did He Retire?
While Pooran hasn’t explicitly stated the reason behind his decision, several possibilities are being discussed across cricket circles:
- Franchise Commitments: With T20 leagues offering both financial security and global exposure, many believe Pooran may be stepping back to focus solely on franchise cricket.
- Burnout & Bio-bubble Fatigue: Years of tight schedules, travel, and mental strain may have played a part.
- Disillusionment with West Indies Cricket: The team’s inconsistent performances and internal politics have taken a toll on several players in recent years.
Still, the lack of a clear explanation leaves a void — and only time may reveal the full story.
Reactions Pour In
Former cricketers and teammates expressed their surprise and respect in equal measure.
Dwayne Bravo tweeted, “You’ve done the Caribbean proud, Nicky P. You’ll be missed in maroon.”
Fans across the globe echoed similar sentiments — shock, admiration, and sadness.
Cricket analysts, meanwhile, called the retirement a “wake-up call” for the West Indies board. Losing a player of Pooran’s calibre at his prime is a blow few teams can afford.
What’s Next for Pooran?
While his international journey may be over (for now), Pooran’s cricketing story is far from finished. He remains a hot property in global leagues — from the IPL and CPL to The Hundred and Major League Cricket in the US.
Some even speculate that this might be a temporary break — and that he could return if circumstances change.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 2:28 pm by Muthangi Anil Kumar | Published by: Muthangi Anil Kumar on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 2:25 pm | News Categories: News, Sports
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