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"I Have No Problem…": Brian Lara On Pooran's Early Retirement And WI Decline

Aashay Chopade

Brian Lara and Nicholas Pooran (Source:@StickToCricket/X.com)Brian Lara and Nicholas Pooran (Source:@StickToCricket/X.com)

The West Indies cricket is going through a tough time for quite a long time now, and recently they hit a new low by getting bowled out for just 27 against Australia in a day-night Test. They were also whitewashed in that series, and the debate around the health of cricket in the Caribbean has resurfaced.

Andre Russell is set to retire now after two T20Is against Australia, while Nicholas Pooran also retired at the age of just 29. Also, many Windies players tend to prioritise franchise cricket over international games, and it has been a long-standing problem for them.

Brian Lara Explains Why Players Are Retiring Early From International Cricket

Now, Brian Lara, in a podcast called 'Stick to Cricket', stated that he completely understands why players like Nicholas Pooran are retiring at the age of just 29. He stated that there are quite a few franchise leagues around the world, and they provide a good opportunity for players to make money.

"You have a lot of guys who are deciding on what to do with their careers. You have your aggressive players like Pooran, who retired at 29. And honestly, it's pretty clear why they did. There are five or six leagues around the world, and they're able to make a substantial amount of money playing in them," Brian Lara said on 'Stick to Cricket' Podcast.

Lara Slams West Indies Board For Not Supporting Players

Brian Lara also did not shy away from criticising the West Indies Cricket Board and stated that he completely aligns with the thinking of players. He brutally accepted that he does not have any problem with Caribbean players preferring to play T20 leagues over international cricket because the board has not done enough for their cricketers. He praised the boards of countries like India, England and Australia for keeping the financial side of things viable for the players.

He also cited examples of players like Kane Williamson, who has given up his national contract recently and other South African players who have announced early retirements. According to the West Indian great, the players are just trying to provide for their families, and there is nothing wrong with it.

"I have no problem with that. The truth is, I don't think the West Indies Cricket Board or the administration has done anything meaningful to keep players loyal to West Indies cricket, unlike what boards in countries like England, Australia, or even India have done. So naturally, our players are going to look elsewhere. And when you see players like Kane Williamson or even South Africans making similar choices, you understand that these guys are just trying to provide for their families,” he added.

Thus, Brian Lara has clearly stated that the problem lies with the West Indies cricket board and not the players. There have been numerous tussles between the board and players in the past, too, and it is high time West Indies cricket sorts it out.