Nicholas Pooran will miss the upcoming T20I series against England and Ireland, beginning on June 6.
Pooran not picked for England, Ireland T20Is
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter, a key figure in the team's T20 setup, will sit out both series after he requested for a rest to manage his workload.
Pooran played all 14 games for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, where he had his best season in the league, scoring over 500 runs for the first time. He averaged 43.66 and struck at 196.25, and was one of the few international players to return after the IPL resumed, following a brief suspension. Despite his efforts, LSG were unable to qualify for the playoffs, finishing seventh on the table, with 12 points.
Pooran's absence comes at a time of transition for the West Indies T20I side. Shai Hope, the new captain in the shortest format, will lead the team in a back-to-back three-match series against England (from June 6 to 10) and against Ireland (from June 12 to 15). Pooran, who has previously captained the team and has been a consistent performer with the bat, will not be part of either leg of the tour.
Holder, Russell return to the T20I side
In his absence, the squad will see the return of senior all-rounder Jason Holder, who last played T20I cricket in February 2024. Andre Russell has also been recalled after missing action due to injury sustained during the first T20I against England in Barbados last November, but he has only been selected for the England series.
Newly appointed Test captain Roston Chase will leave the T20I squad following the England leg to join the red-ball preparation camp for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. The Test camp is scheduled to be held in Barbados from June 13 to 21 in the lead-up to the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy that starts on June 25.
Jyd Goolie has received his maiden senior team call-up. Goolie was a standout in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League and part of the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup squad. Keacy Carty, in strong batting form, will replace Brandon King for the Ireland matches.
West Indies T20I squads
For England series: Shai Hope (c), Brandon King (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
For Ireland series: Shai Hope (c), Sherfane Rutherford (vc), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd.
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