Shocking News: West Indies Star Nicholas Pooran Retires from International Cricket at Just 29 – Full Story Inside!

West Indies star Nicholas Pooran has shocked fans by announcing his retirement from international cricket at just 29. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter, a cornerstone of the team’s limited-overs lineup, leaves behind a dazzling career. From his teenage debut to global franchise stardom, here’s a look at Pooran’s journey and what comes next.

A Star Is Born

Pooran’s rise was meteoric:

• Youth Brilliance: At the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, his fearless batting for Trinidad and Tobago caught eyes. At 16, he became the Caribbean Premier League’s youngest player in 2013.
• Overcoming Adversity: A 2015 car accident sidelined him for two years, but his 2016 CPL comeback, scoring over 200 runs, earned him a West Indies T20I debut against Pakistan in September 2016.
• ODI Breakthrough: He debuted in One-Day Internationals against England in 2019, cementing his spot with his aggressive style.

His early grit set the stage for a remarkable career.

🚨Nicholas Pooran took retirement from International Cricket🚨

He is the most loved West Indian player in India and it is so sad to see him retiring at just age of 29.

It looks like he retired due to Franchise Leagues, lets wait for more info. Very sad💔pic.twitter.com/T7rvwVUhmm

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 9, 2025

Dominating International Cricket

Pooran shone in 167 matches:

• T20I King: With 2,275 runs at a 136.39 strike rate, he’s the West Indies’ top T20I run-getter, overtaking Chris Gayle in 2024 with a 98 against Afghanistan.
• ODI Firepower: He scored 1,983 runs at 39.66, leading the West Indies with 367 runs at the 2019 World Cup, earning the ICC’s “Rising Star” title.
• Leadership Stint: As captain in 2022, he led the T20I side to a 4–1 win over Australia but stepped down after a tough T20 World Cup group-stage exit.

His flair thrilled fans across formats.

Franchise Cricket Glory

Pooran became a global icon:

• IPL Stardom: For Lucknow Super Giants in 2025, he smashed 524 runs at a 200 strike rate, nearly clinching the Orange Cap with four fifties.
• Worldwide Impact: He lit up the Caribbean Premier League with a 2020 T20 century, starred in Major League Cricket’s 2023 debut season, and played in Pakistan Super League and The Hundred.
• Match-Winner: His 137 off 55 balls in the MLC final for MI New York earned him Player of the Season honors.

His bat spoke loudly on every stage.

The Retirement Bombshell

On June 10, 2025, Pooran stepped away:

• Announcement: After skipping a T20I series against England to rest post-IPL, he retired via Instagram, calling it a “tough call” but thanking fans and teammates.
• Last Game: His final West Indies outing was a T20I against Bangladesh in December 2024, scoring 15 off 10 balls.
• Cricket West Indies’ Tribute: “We thank Nicholas for his service and wish him success in his next chapter,” their statement read.

The news left the cricket world reeling.

What Fans Are Feeling

Social media reflects the shock:

• “Nicky P at 29? Cricket West Indies just lost a gem,” posted @CaribCricketFan on X.
• “His sixes were pure art—keep shining in the IPL,” shared @T20Lovers.
• “Why so soon? We needed you in maroon,” wrote @WindiesHeart.

Fans are torn between sadness and admiration.

His Lasting Mark

Pooran’s legacy is electric:

• Record-Breaker: Fifth-most sixes in T20Is, his power-hitting redefined West Indies batting.
• Inspiration: From a near-career-ending crash to global stardom, his story motivates young players.
• Franchise Future: At 29, he’ll continue in leagues like the IPL, MLC, and CPL, thrilling crowds worldwide.

His maroon magic will live on in memory.