Another year, another promising international career of a West Indian cricketer comes to an end, as star batter Nicholas Pooran has announced his retirement at the age of 29.

The swashbuckling left-handed batter represented West Indies 106 times in T20I's (most by any player for the nation), and even led them as the skipper for a brief period of time.

Since the turn of the decade, West Indies Cricket have gone in complete shambles, as the side failed to feature in the 2022 T20 World Cup, 2023 ODI World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, and only managed to appear at the T20 World Cup 2024 courtesy of being the co-hosts alongside USA.

From a young boy with a dream to wear the Maroon, to a global star inspiring millions — WI thank you, Nicky P. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/2UPsXCGQgy

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 9, 2025

West Indies' Cricket Going Down The Hill?

Nicholas Pooran too, joins the trend of favouring franchise cricket over international cricket, as the West Indian has not featured in the ODI's since 2023, and recently took a break from West Indies' ongoing white-ball tour of England. 

This decision has now sparked concerns over the state of international cricket in West Indies, as the nation has had its share of controversies in the past, be it related to player selection or pay dispute. 

WI legend Brian Lara commented on the situation back in 2024, voicing his concerns to make youngsters understand the importance of West Indies Cricket.

"I mean, we’ve got to face the facts. The franchise cricket that is being played around the world, it is very difficult for the West Cricket Board to compete with such lucrative opportunities that our cricketers have. I think we’ve got to, first of all, try to hold on to the young ones, the teenagers. We need to get them to understand what West Indies cricket means and how we can protect it," said Brian Lara, in a conversation with SEN Sportsday.