Nicholas Pooran keeps door open to West Indies return as he focuses on youth academy
The former West Indies cricketer says his Nicky P Batting Academy in Trinidad is now where his energy lies.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago. Former West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran has not ruled out an international comeback, but says his focus for now is on developing young players through his Nicky P Batting Academy in Trinidad.
Pooran, who played more than 160 international matches over a decade-long career, said the academy grew from a commitment to developing cricket and helping young talent reach its potential.
"For me, my passion is all about development, helping other people achieve their full potential as well, and the best way I can help is obviously giving back through cricket," he said.
Scholarships and youth call-ups
The academy, launched three years ago, has helped several youngsters go on to represent Trinidad and Tobago at youth level. It offers professional coaching, fitness training and guidance from established cricketers, with an emphasis on passion and commitment rather than talent alone.
Selected participants receive six-month scholarships covering specialised batting and fitness training. Pooran said the academy draws young players from across Trinidad and Tobago and he hopes to widen its reach.
He said he wanted to teach young players not to wait for ideal conditions.
"Let's not use those excuses to stop us from being the best version of ourselves, especially if we want to be athletes."
"As professional athletes, we make a lot of excuses," he said. "That's one thing I want to be an advocate of: teaching the younger children that it's not going to be one where you're going to have the perfect opportunity, the perfect atmosphere, perfect surroundings or perfect community."
'Never shut that door'
Asked whether he missed playing for the West Indies, Pooran said he valued his 10 years in the regional side and was enjoying his new chapter.
"I've never shut that door completely. Time changes fast. I don't know what the future holds, but at this moment, this is what my energy and my focus is into," he said.
