In an announcement that few predicted and the entire cricketing world got stunned as he now hangs his international shoes,one of West Indies’ fiercest white-ball players at 29.
Pooran, who in recent years wore the white-ball captaincy hat for the West Indies, confirmed the decision after heart-touching post put up on social media by him on Monday, thereby putting an end to a career of nine years on the international stage.
An Unexpected Goodbye
Especially surprising was his decision, given a rather stellar 2024 season and quite a few recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was a few months back considered to play a critical role in the stars’ campaign for the T20 World Cup in 2026.
Although he had been left out of the ODI squad following West Indies’ early exit from the 2023 World Cup qualifiers and wasn’t part of the ongoing T20I series against England, Pooran still remained a key figure in West Indies’ white-ball plans.
His retirement statement: “I announce my retirement from international cricket after much contemplation and reflection… This chapter of my international career closes, but my love for West Indies cricket shall never die.”
Career Peaks and Impact
Pooran started his T20I life in 2016 by playing against Pakistan, accumulating his first ODI in 2019. He became very important in the West Indies white ball teams because he is very aggressive and clean while hitting.
By the Numbers:
- T20 Internationals: 106 Matches, 2275 Runs.
- ODI Matches: 61 Matches, 1983 Runs.
- ODI Average : 39.66.
- T20I Strike Rate : 136.39.
He now leaves his international career as the most capped T20I player for West Indies and as their all-time lead run-scorer in the format. Pooran led the side at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, however subsequently stepped down in the wake of that tournament’s disappointing showing. Back then, however, he remained a strong candidate for selection on most occasions.
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Franchise Cricket Takes Center Stage
Now, the focus shifts entirely to Pooran now: Franchise cricket-now established in his rather stellar reputation. He emerged as one of the most explosive batters in IPL 2025, amassing 524 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries.
He is expected to be playing across other leagues worldwide,including:
- IPL (India).
- CPL (Caribbean).
- MLC (USA).
- ILT20 (UAE).
- The Hundred (UK).
Cricket West Indies Salutes
CWI or Cricket West Indies released a message just after the announcement, thanking Pooran for the great contribution. “While we salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond, we also wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”
What comes next?,
Pooran by no means marks an empty hole from the money-making stars in the West Indies; for him, the presence in global cricket is still rather strong. His retirement could put an end to a passionate run in maroon, but fireworks from his bat are expected more in coming stadiums worldwide. The next challenge for the West Indies lies in filling the vacancy created by one of the brilliant and very entertaining players of the present time.
Written by RITESH SINGH
