Pooran announces shock international retirement at 29

Dynamic West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran has sprung a surprise by quitting international cricket at the age of 29. Pooran is West Indies' most-capped player in T20Is and their leading run-getter in the format as well.

His retirement will come as a massive jolt for a side that's been looking to make its way back up, especially in white-ball cricket after having missed out on qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pooran is at the peak of his powers in T20 cricket and had hit the most number of sixes (170) in the format last year. In the just-concluded IPL, Pooran managed to breach 500 runs in a season for the first time and smashed 40 sixes - the most in this year's tournament.

The 29-year-old was not picked for the ongoing tour to England and Ireland after he had requested Cricket West Indies for a break. Having never played Test matches for West Indies, Pooran made his debut in a T20I in September 2016. The ODI debut came in February 2019 but he hasn't played the format ever since West Indies failed to secure a spot in the 2023 World Cup.

Pooran has also captained West Indies full-time in limited-overs internationals in 2022 but won just 8 games out of 30 across both formats. West Indies' first-round exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia prompted him to step down as the leader. West Indies will now have a massive hole to fill in that middle order with just eight months remaining for the next T20 World Cup.

"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 wrote in his statement on Instagram. "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."

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said in a statement: "Nicholas officially informed the leadership of his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his career.

"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."