Nicholas Pooran retires from cricket at 29, says: ‘This decision was extremely hard’
Nicholas Pooran’s Retirement at 29: A Wake-Up Call for Cricket’s Future
The cricketing world is grappling with a seismic shift as Nicholas Pooran, the explosive Trinidadian batter, announced his retirement from international cricket at just 29 years old on June 10, 2025. His departure, following a string of high-profile retirements, is a stark warning for the sport’s governing bodies—a signal that the allure of T20 franchise leagues is reshaping cricket’s landscape. Coming on the heels of exits by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Heinrich Klaasen, Pooran’s decision is not just a personal pivot but a potential harbinger of a larger crisis. This is a story of talent, choice, and the urgent need for cricket to adapt, set against the backdrop of MS Dhoni’s personal milestone.
Pooran’s Shocking Exit: A Star Bows Out
Nicholas Pooran stunned fans with a heartfelt Instagram post: “After much reflection, I’ve decided to retire from international cricket. This game gives us joy, purpose, unforgettable memories, and the chance to represent the people of West Indies.” At 29, Pooran was in scintillating form, having smashed 2,275 T20I runs at a strike rate of 136.39—West Indies’ highest in the format—and 1,983 ODI runs with three centuries. A former captain and a linchpin for the 2026 T20 World Cup, his final international appearance was a T20I against Bangladesh in December 2024, scoring 15 off 10 balls.
Pooran’s retirement is jarring because he was at his peak. In IPL 2025, he blazed 524 runs in 14 matches for Lucknow Super Giants, including a record 40 sixes, the most in the season. In 2023, he hit 170 T20 sixes globally, eclipsing Chris Gayle’s record. His decision to step away, citing personal priorities, has left West Indies reeling, especially after their failure to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
A Cascade of Retirements
Pooran’s exit is part of a tumultuous 2025 for cricket. On May 7, Rohit Sharma, 38, retired from Test cricket, followed by Virat Kohli, 36, five days later, leaving India’s Test side in transition. Glenn Maxwell, 36, quit ODIs to focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Heinrich Klaasen, 33, walked away from all international formats after retiring from Tests. Klaasen’s explanation was raw: “I didn’t really care about my performances or whether the team won. That’s the wrong place to be.”
While Rohit and Kohli’s long Test careers—starting in 2011 and 2013, respectively—made their decisions understandable, and Maxwell’s injury history and Klaasen’s emotional fatigue provided context, Pooran’s retirement stands out. At 29, with no visible decline, his choice points to deeper structural issues in cricket’s ecosystem.
The T20 League Surge
Pooran’s decision shines a spotlight on the growing dominance of T20 franchise leagues. Retained by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹21 crore in IPL 2025, Pooran is a top earner, with additional contracts in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred. Social media reflects the tension: “T20 leagues are pulling players away from their countries,” one X user posted. Another noted, “West Indies and South Africa boards are financially strapped, pushing stars to leagues.”
The rise of T20 leagues is undeniable. They offer lucrative contracts, flexible schedules, and global platforms—advantages international cricket struggles to match. For West Indies, the fractured relationship between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and players is a key factor. Pooran was excluded from CWI’s central contracts in 2024, while multi-year deals went to all-format players. Past disputes have seen stars like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo prioritize leagues, a path Pooran now treads.
South Africa, too, faces challenges with quota systems and efforts to address historical inequities, which have driven talent abroad. While Klaasen’s decision may not directly tie to these issues, the broader migration of South African players is well-known. The question is clear: are cricket boards doing enough to keep international cricket appealing?
Beyond the “Greed” Narrative
It’s easy to brand players like Pooran as “greedy,” but this oversimplifies a complex reality. A cricketer’s career is fleeting, and T20 leagues offer financial security that international cricket often lacks. Pooran’s statement reaffirmed his love for West Indies, but his choice reflects practical needs—family, stability, and personal fulfillment. As one X post put it, “Patriotism is great, but it doesn’t pay the bills.”
Cricket boards must reflect. Are they creating environments where players feel valued? Are financial incentives aligned with the pride of representing one’s country? Pooran’s exit is a warning sign, potentially the tip of an iceberg that could see more young stars choose leagues over national duty.
MS Dhoni’s Quiet Celebration
Amid this turmoil, MS Dhoni, fresh off his ICC Hall of Fame induction, offered a counterpoint of balance. On May 25, 2025, he and his wife Sakshi renewed their vows in Ranchi, marking 15 years of marriage. Held at their farmhouse with family and Chennai Super Kings teammates like Ruturaj Gaikwad, the ceremony was intimate yet poignant. Sakshi’s Instagram post captured Dhoni in a traditional kurta and herself in a golden Kanjivaram saree, exchanging garlands under a floral mandap.
The standout moment? Their daughter Ziva singing Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 as the couple danced, sparking a social media frenzy with #MSDhoni15 trending for days. Kept private until Sakshi’s post, the event mirrored Dhoni’s understated style, contrasting with his global acclaim at the June 8 Hall of Fame ceremony in London. Dhoni’s ability to cherish personal milestones while leaving a cricketing legacy highlights what players like Pooran may seek—a life beyond the game.
A Critical Juncture
Nicholas Pooran’s retirement at 29 is a wake-up call for cricket. Alongside exits by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Heinrich Klaasen, it signals a sport at a crossroads. T20 leagues are not the villain—they’re a reality of cricket’s evolution. The challenge is to make international cricket a compelling choice through better support, competitive contracts, and nurturing environments.
Dhoni’s vow renewal reminds us that cricketers are human, with lives beyond the pitch. Pooran’s departure is not the end—it’s a warning. If cricket boards fail to act, the allure of T20 leagues could overshadow the glory of international cricket. The future of the game is at stake, and the time for change is now.
This is a Farru Tech News Blog, crafted with vibrant storytelling to engage cricket fans in 2025. Sourced from ICC announcements, credible news outlets, and social media insights, it ensures accuracy and relevance while capturing the pulse of the sport’s evolving landscape.
