The Dynamic West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has shocked the entire cricketing fraternity by announcing his retirement from International Cricket at 29.

His retirement will be a massive jolt for the side looking for a backup, especially in white-ball cricket, after having missed out on qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Pooran has been an explosive batter in T20 cricket and has hit the most number of sixes (170) in the format last year. He was the West Indies’ most-capped player in T20Is and leading rungetter for the side as well.

Nicholas Pooran went on to breach 500 runs in the IPL 2025 season and smashed most sixes (40) in this year’s tournament.

The 29 year old was not picked for the ongoing tour of England and Ireland after he had requested Cricket West Indies for a break. Pooran had made his debut in a T20I in September 2016.

The ODI debut came in February 2019 but he hasn’t played the format ever since West Indies failed to secure a spot in the 2023 World Cup.

Pooran has also captained West Indies on 30 occasions in ODI but won only 8 games. West Indies’ first round exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia has made his step down from the role.

“This game we love has given and will continue to give so much – joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies,” Nicholas Pooran wrote in his statement on Instagram.

“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. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.”

“Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead,” concluded Nicholas Pooran.

Cricket West Indies said, “Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.”

“A world-class player and a game changer, Nicholas leaves the game as the most capped West Indian in T20 Internationals with 106 matches and the leading T20I run scorer with 2,275 runs. His performances on the field and influence within the team have made a lasting impact on West Indies cricket,” said Cricket West Indies.