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Former West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran has stunned cricket fans around the world as he announced his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years of age.
The left-handed batter, who had become a vital part of the West Indies’ limited-overs setup, shared the news through an emotional statement on his social media accounts on Monday, bringing the curtain down on an international career that spanned eight years.
“After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran wrote.
“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.”
He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to his fans and teammates for their unwavering love and support throughout his international career.
“To the fans – thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in the tough moments and celebrated the good ones with unmatched passion,” he further wrote.
“To my family, friends and teammates – thank you for walking the journey with me. Your belief and support carried me through it all.
“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.”
Nicholas Pooran made his T20I debut in 2016 against Pakistan in the UAE and earned his ODI cap three years later against England.
Though he was handed the white-ball captaincy in 2022, Pooran stepped down following West Indies’ disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup in Australia later that year.
In 61 ODIs, he scored 1983 runs at an impressive average of 39.66 and a strike rate of 99.15.
In T20Is, he not only became West Indies’ most-capped player with 106 appearances but also their highest run-scorer, amassing 2275 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39.
“Cricket West Indies [CWI] extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to Nicholas Pooran for his outstanding contributions to West Indies cricket,” a statement from CWI said on Monday.
“We salute his achievements and thank him for the moments he has given fans across the region and beyond. We wish him all the very best in the next phase of his journey.”
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