While the 2022 T20 World Cup was full of upsets as Zimbabwe and Ireland beat eventual finalist Pakistan and England respectively, there was no bigger shock than two-time champions West Indies being knocked out in the group stage and failing to make the Super 12s.
West Indies were beaten by Ireland and Scotland as they faced an embarrassing exit from the competition. The defeat was one that was sure to bring a radical overhaul in West Indies cricket and first domino has fallen as Nicholas Pooran has resigned from the captaincy of the national team in white-ball cricket.
Pooran has stepped down from the role less than a year after taking over the job. Pooran had replaced Kieron Pollard following the latter’s retirement from international cricket earlier this year. In his statement, Pooran stated that it was a difficult decision but one he believed was right for the team
“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. 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,” said Pooran in a statement on Instagram.
“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,” Pooran added.
“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,” he concluded.
Pooran faces a challenging phase in his career as alongside his international disappointment, he was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) after purchasing him for a whooping fee of Rs. 10.75 crore in 2022
