West Indies star batsman Nicholas Pooran surprised everyone by retiring from international cricket at the young age of 29. This decision led to a wave of social media criticism, with many fans believing he prioritized league cricket.
Sports News: The cricket world was abuzz when West Indies' explosive batsman, Nicholas Pooran, announced his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years old. Before the dust settled on this announcement, he was appointed captain of MI New York the following day. He takes over the captaincy from Kieron Pollard.
This decision not only shapes Pooran's career trajectory but also significantly reflects the evolving trends and priorities within T20 league cricket.
Pooran Chooses League Cricket, Bids Farewell to International Cricket
On June 10th, Pooran announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket via a social media post. He expressed his honor in representing West Indies but hinted at focusing his energy on league cricket. This announcement shocked fans, as 29 is generally considered the peak of a cricketer's career.
However, the financial implications cannot be ignored. The substantial sums of money offered in league cricket are drawing many players away from their national teams.
MI New York's Trust: Captaincy Awarded 24 Hours Later
Within 24 hours of his retirement, Pooran was appointed captain of MI New York. This franchise is part of the Mumbai Indians group, operated under Reliance Industries, owned by the Ambani family. Pooran has already played two seasons (2023 and 2024) for MI New York, showcasing excellent performance.
- 2023 Season: 8 matches, 388 runs, 1 century
- 2024 Season: 7 matches, 180 runs
His performance demonstrated not only his explosive batting but also his leadership capabilities in high-pressure situations.
Taking Over the Captaincy from Kieron Pollard
MI New York's captaincy was previously held by fellow West Indian and senior all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who also had a long career with Mumbai Indians. Pollard's experience was invaluable to the team, but his active playing time is gradually decreasing. Appointing Pooran reflects not only a reward for his consistent performance but also MI Group's vision for the future, investing in young talent.
Impressive IPL 2025 Performance
Pooran displayed exceptional form during IPL 2025, scoring 524 runs in 14 innings, proving his continued ability on the field.
- 5 half-centuries
- Strike rate of 170+
Although his team didn't reach the playoffs, Pooran's batting remained a talking point.
News of Pooran's retirement went viral on social media. While some fans supported his decision, many criticized him, labeling him as a player who "abandoned his country for leagues." Some comments expressed concern that this further weakens an already struggling West Indies team.
His retention in the IPL for ₹21 crore this year further emphasizes the shift in players' priorities towards financial security.
