As anticipation builds toward the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, calls have grown louder for Nicholas Pooran to reconsider his international retirement.
Yet the Trinidadian star remains resolute, insisting he is fully at peace with his decision to step away from West Indies cricket.
Despite the looming global showcase and the Caribbean public’s continued hope for a return, Pooran has made it clear that his focus lies elsewhere, on forging a sustained and successful career across the world’s franchise leagues.
A sudden exit that still echoes
Pooran stunned the cricketing world last June when he announced his retirement from international cricket at just 29. The decision brought an abrupt close to an eight-year West Indies career that began in 2016 and included nearly 170 appearances in white-ball formats.
He exited the international stage as the West Indies’ leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals, having amassed 2,275 runs, and as a former limited-overs captain, credentials that have only intensified speculation of a potential comeback.
“This is about what Nicholas Pooran wants”
Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Pooran dismissed any suggestion that internal issues or disputes with Cricket West Indies (CWI) influenced his decision.
“From all my trials and tribulations I’ve worked so hard and I feel like I think through all the decisions I make because I understand it has consequences, I understand that people are going to be angry and disappointed in any decision anybody makes,” he said.
He emphasized that his choice was deeply personal.
“This has nothing to do with West Indies cricket, how it is, what it is, what’s happening, this has nothing to do with that. This is all about what Nicolas Pooran wants, and this is something everyone has to come on board with as well.”
Pooran acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans but insisted that personal well-being must take precedence.
“I know I would have disappointed people, and that’s also fine and not fine in some cases. But people have to really support my decision as well because I’m doing what’s best for myself and for my family.”
A career given fully, without regret
Pooran’s final international appearance came in December 2024, and he maintains that he leaves with a clear conscience, confident he gave the West Indies his full commitment.
“If I played five games for West Indies or five years and I [wasn’t] committed I would have said, ‘Okay fine, it’s cool.’ But I was committed. I’ve tried to give my all for West Indies,” he said.
Reflecting on his stint as captain, Pooran was candid about its challenges and its impact on his game.
“I was West Indies captain as well [but] I felt like that didn’t work out for me, and for my game, and for the teammates and stuff. I give that up after six months [because] I’m not searching power; all I was searching [for] is how do I become a better version of myself.”
He added, “I just felt like I just want to continue to do what’s best for myself and for my family.”
Global leagues, expanding horizons
Since stepping away from international duty, Pooran has remained a fixture on the global franchise circuit, competing in high-profile tournaments such as the Indian Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League.
The 30-year-old sees his journey as a testament to perseverance and opportunity.
“I’ve worked extremely hard to be in this position I am in today, and there’s not much cricketers who can be in the situation that I’m in. I came from nothing, and if you know where Trinidad and Tobago is, it’s a dot on the world. I feel like it’s so difficult for us to be successful from there,” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation for the paths forged by Caribbean predecessors.
“So when I look back at, not only my career but all the other guys and everybody [like] Poly [Kieron Pollard] for what they have accomplished in this game, for me personally I will never take it for granted.”
Prime years, maximum value
Pooran also addressed criticism suggesting that his decision was financially motivated, framing it instead as a strategic move made at the peak of his career.
“I’m still getting the opportunity to play cricket all over the world and do what I love, and I’m still getting that chance to be the best version of myself,” he said. “I still feel I haven’t reached that stage where I’m the best version of myself yet.”
He challenged conventional expectations about timing retirement.
“What people want is that they want [players] to retire at 35, 36, [after] they’ve represented their country and committed 100 per cent, then go and play leagues and make money. But when you reach that age now your value goes down, right?”
Pooran concluded with unwavering confidence in what lies ahead.
“I’m sure people are criticising me now, [saying]: ‘He’s probably going to play for money,’ but I’m actually in my prime career [period]. I have a lot to offer; I’m going to score runs, I’m going to win games, I’m going to win titles.”
