Pooran Succeeds Pollard as Captain

Nicholas Pooran, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter from the West Indies, who recently retired from international cricket at 29, has been appointed to captain MI New York in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) season in the United States.

The 29-year-old will be taking over the captaincy from fellow West Indian, Kieron Pollard. Pooran’s selection follows his impressive performances in the T20 format.

He distinguished himself in the inaugural MLC season in 2023, emerging as the top run-scorer with 388 runs, achieved at a strike rate of 167.

His remarkable, undefeated 137 in the final led MI New York to secure the championship, demonstrating his ability to win matches.

Even after his retirement from international cricket, Pooran remains a significant force in the global T20 arena. In 2024, he hit a remarkable 170 sixes across all T20 matches worldwide.

He maintained his form into IPL 2025, surpassing 500 runs in a season for the first time and hitting 40 sixes, which was the highest number by any player in that IPL season.

Pooran brings considerable leadership experience, having previously captained the West Indies in limited-overs formats.

However, his tenure as the primary captain in 2022 yielded limited success, with only 8 victories in 30 games. He resigned after the team’s premature exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

The 2025 season of Major League Cricket is set to commence on June 12, with San Francisco Unicorns playing against Washington Freedom.

MI New York is scheduled to begin their campaign on June 13 against Texas Super Kings, with Pooran leading the team.