Darren Sammy on Nicholas Pooran's early retirement: "More players will follow"

Pooran, 29, and the West Indies' leading T20I run-scorer, announced his decision just eight months before the T20 World Cup. Despite not having played Test cricket and last featuring in an ODI two years ago, his sudden exit surprised many, especially given his success in franchise leagues.

Sammy said he had anticipated Pooran's decision and began planning for the team's future without him. "I wished him well and respect that he told us early so we can prepare," Sammy said after West Indies' 3-0 defeats in both ODI and T20I series during their England tour.

The coach highlighted the ongoing challenge of keeping players motivated to represent the West Indies crest amid the growing appeal of franchise cricket. "It's up to each player to understand what the brand means," Sammy said, adding that the loyalty of West Indies fans remains strong.

Citing early retirements by South African players Heinrich Klaasen and Quinton de Kock, Sammy suggested the trend of players stepping away early is likely to continue. "More players will follow in that direction," he said.

Sammy also expressed concern about the team's bowling, which conceded 628 runs in under 59 overs in the T20 series. With the T20 World Cup less than eight months away, he stressed the need to improve bowling discipline and skills.

Despite the setbacks, Sammy remains optimistic about the team's batting and believes there is time to build a competitive squad ahead of the World Cup. West Indies will next play a three-match T20I series in Ireland starting Thursday.