It is not uncommon for players to play well into their late 30s - cricket legends have extended their international careers before cementing their names as icons of the game.
But there are young players whose career representing their country is cut short, whether due to injuries, poor form, or in 2025, the lure of franchise cricket.
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West Indies superstar Nicholas Pooran surprisingly announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 29 on Tuesday, June 10. He has not only led WI at the world stage but also featured in 167 matches across T20I and ODI formats.
It is a big blow for Caribbean cricket, as he could have been a key player for the team in the upcoming 2026 T20 and 2027 ODI World Cup campaigns.
The Sporting News tells you five young players who retired from international cricket before the age of 30.
Players under age 30 who retired early from international cricket
While several players have retired early from international cricket, here are five of the more notable cricketers and the possible reasons:
1. Nicholas Pooran retired aged 29 (West Indies)
The West Indies batter announced his decision with an Instagram post on June 10.
"Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem, and giving everything I had each time I stepped on the field, it’s hard to put into words what that truly means to me. To have led the team as captain is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart," he mentioned.
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"Though this international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies Cricket will never fade. I wish the team and the region nothing but success and strength for the road ahead," he added.
While he did not give a specific reason, it is likely because he is prioritising franchise T20 commitments. He is already taking part in several tournaments from the IPL (India), SA20 (South Africa), MLS (USA) and more -- which could keep him busy throughout the calendar year.
2. Will Pucovski retired aged 26 (Australia)
Pucovski was considered an Australian batting prodigy with a stellar domestic record, whose talent was often compared to the great Ricky Ponting in terms of technique and temperament. Unfortunately, he suffered multiple concussions and was forced to take regular breaks due to the injuries.
While he had a promising Test debut in 2021, scoring a half-century against India, Pucovski eventually stepped away from the game to prioritise his health.
3. Craig Kieswetter retired aged 27 (England)
An impressive top-order batter who played an instrumental role for England in their 2010 T20 World Cup victory had a promising career ahead.
However, a gruesome injury after being struck in the face during a domestic match against Northamptonshire in 2014 which damaged his eye socket. Despite returning to play, he could not continue for long due to issues with his vision and retired from internationals in 2015.
4. Aaqib Javed retired aged 26 (Pakistan)
Former Pakistan cricketer and later turned coach, Javed, revealed that his career was cut short because he allegedly refused to take part in match fixing.
"Lavish cars and millions of rupees were handed over to cricketers. I was also asked to fix matches and was told that if I did not comply, my career would be finished. Players were approached with match-fixing offers through a former cricketer named Saleem Pervez," Javed was quoted as saying in a 2020 interview.
"When I came to know about fixing, I took a strong stance and stood by it. I don’t regret the fact that it shortened my career as I strongly believe in my values. People tried to sideline me from tours because of my stance and would also reprimand those people who would talk to me," he added.
5. James Taylor retired aged 26 (England)
Taylor was supposed to be a long-term fix for England's ODI and Test teams, much like how Joe Root has turned out now. He was considered both an elite fielder and a talented, gritty middle-order batter.
However, in 2016, he was forced into retirement due to a rare heart condition, after being diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Taylor was ignored by selectors earlier, but his hard work and domestic cricket performances became hard to ignore, and soon he was cementing himself as an England regular. It was a cruel twist of fate to see his career end prematurely just as it was taking off.
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