Nicholas Pooran Named Captain of MI New York After International Retirement

A SHIFT IN GLOBAL CRICKET DYNAMICS

Just a day after announcing his unexpected retirement from international cricket, Nicholas Pooran has been named captain of MI New York, the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise owned by Mumbai Indians. The move, confirmed on Wednesday, underscores the growing influence of franchise cricket in shaping players' careers and priorities.

MI New York, the reigning MLC champions, confirmed the appointment on social media:

> “There’s a new commander in town Captain Nicholas Pooran.”

The franchise praised Pooran as one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket and expressed confidence in his leadership:

> “This left-handed wicket-keeper batter is at the peak of his powers. He’s ready to lead us to greater glories.”

RETIREMENT SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH CRICKETING WORLD

Pooran, 29, announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after what he described as “much thought and reflection.” He did not cite any specific reasons for stepping away from the international stage, a move that closely followed a similar decision by South African T20 star Heinrich Klaasen.

Pooran’s decision appears emblematic of a larger trend players increasingly choosing lucrative franchise opportunities over national representation, especially in countries with less robust cricketing boards like West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. In contrast, the financial strength of India (BCCI), Australia, and England continues to stabilize international participation in those regions.

FRANCHISE CRICKET: THE NEW PRIORITY

Pooran’s alignment with the Mumbai Indians ecosystem is extensive. He plays for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and is a key figure in MI’s global franchises. His move to captain MI New York ahead of the third MLC season, which begins Thursday, is a continuation of that partnership.

He was the highest run-scorer in the 2023 MLC season, amassing 388 runs, including a match-winning 137\ in the final a performance that remains etched in the tournament’s history.

> “You really don’t need to look beyond his 137 not out at the MLC Final to know that. Can’t wait to relive the same in 2025, Nicky!” the franchise added.

MI New York’s squad also boasts global stars like Quinton de Kock, Kieron Pollard, and Rashid Khan, reinforcing their championship credentials.

A GLORIOUS BUT SHORT-LIVED INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Nicholas Pooran exits international cricket as the West Indies’ most-capped T20I player, with 106 matches to his name. He also holds the record for most runs by a West Indies player in T20Is—2,275 at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 136.39.

In ODIs, Pooran played 61 matches, scoring 1,983 runs at an average of 39.66 and a strike rate of 99.15. He never featured in Test cricket for the West Indies.

Pooran recently opted out of selection for the T20I series against England, signaling his changing priorities even before announcing his retirement.

IPL BRILLIANCE ADDS TO HIS FRANCHISE LEGACY

Pooran had a standout IPL 2024 season, setting a record for the most sixes in a calendar year with 170. He continued his form into IPL 2025, finishing with 524 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 196.25, including five half-centuries.