ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Nicholas Pooran has been appointed as the new West Indies Men’s One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) captain.

His appointment follows the international retirement of Kieron Pollard who previously held the position.

Last month, Pollard announced his retirement from international cricket via social media, just a day before his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians’ game against Chennai Super Kings. He said the decision was taken after careful deliberation.

READ: Kieron Pollard retires from international cricket

Confirming the appointment on Tuesday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said: “Pooran will take over the captaincy for the West Indies ODI and T20I teams after being Pollard’s deputy over the last year.”

The body noted that the appointment will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October 2023.

It said Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team.

“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,” CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said.

Pooran captained the West Indies Men in Pollard’s absence in 2021, leading them to a CG Insurance T20I Series win at home against Australia in 2021.

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.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt congratulated Pooran on his appointment saying, “Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white ball captaincy. We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily, and successfully. I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support and encouragement that he deserves.”

Meanwhile, Pooran was delighted with the appointment.

“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,” he shared.

His first outing as captain will be the three away ODIs against The Netherlands in Amstelveen starting May 31 which form part of the ICC World Cup Super League.