Nicholas Pooran has resigned from West Indies T20I and ODI captaincy, citing “enormous disappointment” caused by
his team’s exit from T20 World Cup 2022 in the first round.
West Indies could not qualify for the Super 12s after winning just one match in the preliminary group stage. Despite being placed with teams like Ireland, Zimbabwe and Scotland, the Windies finished at the bottom of the table.
“I have given the captaincy a great deal of thought since the enormous disappointment of the T20 World Cup. I took on the role with great pride and dedication and have given it absolutely everything over the past year,” said Pooran in his official statement.
“The T20 World Cup is something that must not define us and I will readily get involved in the upcoming reviews. And whilst it will be several months until we reconvene as a squad, I want to give CWI plenty of time to prepare for the matches against South Africa in March and beyond.”
Pooran, who was appointed West Indies limited-overs captain in May this year after the retirement of Kieron Pollard, added that he would continue to serve his national team as a player.
“This is not me giving up. I remain ambitious and still view the captaincy of West Indies cricket as an honour that is bestowed upon you. There is no doubt I remain fully committed to West Indies cricket and I look forward to providing my services as a senior player in a supportive role. By stepping down now as the West Indies white ball captain I believe it is in the best interests of the team and for me personally, as I need to concentrate on what I can deliver to the side as a player. I desperately want us to be successful and the most value I can give to the team is through fully focusing on the role of consistently scoring runs at crucial times,” added Pooran.
“I am very thankful to CWI for the opportunity and faith shown in me and for the support that I have received by our devoted fans since taking the role, and to my teammates who have worked so hard as well. I know we have it in us to carry West Indies cricket forward and be proud.”
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to announce Pooran’s replacement in both formats. Rovman Powell is currently the vice-captain of the T20I side, while Shai Hope holds the same position in ODIs.
