West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has called time on his international career at the age of 29.
Nicholas Pooran retires from internationals
Having made his T20I debut in September 2016, Pooran played 106 matches, the most by a West Indies batter. His tally of 2,275 runs at a strike-rate of 136.39 is also a West Indies record. Pooran also represented the West Indies in 61 ODIs, scoring 1,983 runs at 39.66 and 99.15, with his last match in the format coming in July 2023 as the West Indies failed to qualify for the World Cup.
"Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career," revealed Cricket West Indies in a statement.
"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."
After being made the vice-captain for West Indies in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Pooran succeeded in the role as a full-time white-ball captain. However, his record was underwhelming, with him winning only eight out of 30 matches across formats, with West Indies facing a first-round exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup. After requesting a break, he was not named in the West Indies' ongoing tour of England and Ireland.
Having given up on a West Indies central contract in 2023, Pooran embraced the life of a T20 globetrotter. He played 74 matches in the format last year, scoring 2,331 runs at an average of 40. In doing so, he eclipsed Mohammad Rizwan’s 2021 tally of 2,036 runs (averaging 56.6 at a strike rate of 132.0) to become the batter with the most runs in a single calendar year.
"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," Pooran penned a heartfelt note on Instagram announcing the decision.
"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."
View this post on Instagram
