Nicholas Pooran, a cornerstone of the West Indies’ T20 prowess, has retired from international cricket at just 29 to prioritize lucrative global T20 franchise leagues. 

The Trinidadian powerhouse, renowned for his explosive batting, announced his decision on Monday, concluding a stellar career with the Windies that spanned 167 matches.

Pooran, who last donned the West Indies jersey in T20s against Bangladesh in December 2024, opted out of the ongoing T20 series against England to recover from his stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. 

His commitments extend to Major League Cricket and The Hundred this summer, signaling a shift toward the high-paying, fast-paced world of franchise cricket.

Cricket West Indies praised Pooran’s contributions in a statement: “We celebrate his remarkable achievements and the unforgettable moments he delivered for fans worldwide. We wish him success in his next chapter.” Pooran holds the record as the most-capped West Indian in T20 internationals with 106 appearances and leads as the top T20I run-scorer with 2,275 runs. He has not played an ODI since July 2023 and never featured in Test cricket.

While Pooran isn’t the first to choose franchise leagues over international duty—South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen made a similar move last week—his exit is a seismic blow given his youth and stature. West Indies captain Shai Hope, addressing Pooran’s absence from the England series, had previously downplayed its impact on future selections, but the retirement now closes that chapter.

Pooran’s departure underscores the growing allure of T20 leagues, where financial rewards and global exposure tempt top talents. As the cricketing world evolves, his decision marks a pivotal moment for West Indies, who lose a dynamic leader in the shortest format. Fans will now watch Pooran light up franchise stages, from the IPL to The Hundred, as he embarks on this new phase of his career with the same flair that defined his international tenure.

Source: BBC

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