Cricket West Indies named Nicholas Pooran as the West Indies ODI and T20I captain. The decision of captaincy change hits the CWI board following the international retirement of Kieron Pollard.
Nicholas Pooran was Named as West Indies Captain
The appointment will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October 2023.
“Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team,” said a statement from Cricket West Indies (CWI).
Commenting on the appointment, Pooran was quoted as saying, “I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team. I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket.
This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.”
Pooran has already captained the West Indies Men in Pollard’s absence, leading them to a CG Insurance T20I Series win at home against Australia in 2021.
Pooran will take over the full-time captaincy from West Indies’ tour of the Netherlands later this month. His appointment was also backed by Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket.
“We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white-ball teams given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group.
The Selection Panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and were impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent.
The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 Captaincy.”
The left-handed wicketkeeper/batsman has eight half-centuries and an ODI century to his name. He has also scored eight T20I half-centuries for the West Indies Senior Men’s team. He first burst onto the cricket scene representing the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2014 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, smashing 303 runs from six matches.
