Nicholas Pooran Isn’t Concerned About Playing in India Amid Tensions With Pakistan

Amidst India-Pakistan tensions, Nicholas Pooran confidently declared that he is 'not worried' about the safety of overseas players in the IPL.

Nicholas Pooran Isn’t Concerned About Playing in India Amid Tensions With Pakistan

LSG star Nicholas Pooran confidently stated that he is 'not worried' about playing in India and the IPL. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran came up with a huge statement, while speaking about the safety of overseas players in the IPL, amidst tensions between India and Pakistan. Pooran confidently stated that he is not ‘worried’ about playing in the tournament this season. 

The 2025 IPL season faced an unexpected halt on May 8, due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, disrupting cricket in the subcontinent. Fortunately, with India and Pakistan mutually agreeing to de-escalate and uphold a ceasefire, the BCCI decided to resume the IPL.

Starting today, the remaining 16 matches, including the playoffs, will be held at six different venues across India. However, the match which signaled the resumption, RCB vs. KKR was called off due to heavy rain in Bengaluru.

Following the sudden halt of the season on May 8, several overseas players, concerned about possible airspace shutdowns and their safety, opted to go back to their home nations. Now that the IPL has restarted, some of these players have rejoined their respective teams, while a few others have decided to withdraw due to national team duties or security concerns in India.

It’s expected that many returning players from England, Australia, and South Africa will leave by May 26, as the IPL schedule is now running over a week behind its initial end date. However, Cricket West Indies, in a sigh of relief to the franchises, decided to allow its players to stay back in India, until the end of the 2025 IPL season, despite the competition’s revised schedule overlapping with their international fixtures.

LSG star and Trinidadian batter Nicholas Pooran, who has returned to India, confidently stated that he is not worried about playing in the country. Having been part of the IPL since 2019, Pooran emphasized his love for playing both in India, and the IPL. The 29-year-old is eager to maintain his excellent form and help Lucknow Super Giants succeed, as the season restarts following its week-long suspension. Pooran told Dainik Jagran:

I'm not at all worried about playing here. I've always loved playing the IPL and playing in India. As the tournament will start again after a break, and I wish to continue my form to contribute to my team’s success.

Furthermore, the West Indies batter also spoke about his journey at LSG, and reflected on his experience of playing under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant. Pooran expressed his appreciation for the team owner, Sanjiv Goenka, and the management for taking care of the players, as well as for skipper Rishabh Pant’s on and off-field support throughout the season. He added:

Though it’s a new team but the way the team owner and management take care of the players is commendable. I have also played for other franchises, but LSG is a much better side. 

Nicholas Pooran remains LSG’s highest run-scorer this IPL season, accumulating 410 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 41 and a strike rate of 200.98, hitting four half-centuries. However, a sudden dip in form, with him averaging only 12 in LSG’s last five games, has led to the team dropping to the 7th position in the standings, despite a strong start to the season.

Thereafter, Lucknow will be looking for the 29-year-old to retain his form for the last leg of the season. In a bid to improve their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, LSG has also added New Zealand fast bowler William O’Rourke as a replacement player.

Aaron Finch advices LSG captain Rishabh Pant to hand over wicket-keeping duties to Nicholas Pooran

Former Australian skipper Aaron Finch advised Lucknow Super Giants’ skipper Rishabh Pant, urging him to hand over the wicket-keeping role to Nicholas Pooran. Finch’s advice comes ahead of the resumption of the 2025 IPL season, which has turned out to be Pant’s worst-ever campaign.

Aaron Finch on Rishabh Pant Nicholas Pooran
Aaron Finch suggested Rishabh Pant to hand over LSG keeping duties to Nicholas Pooran. (via Rediff)

Pant became the most-expensive player in IPL history, after he was signed by LSG at a price-tag of INR 27 crores. However, his display has been underwhelming so far, with the 27-year-old scoring just 128 runs in 11 matches at an average of just 12.8. His poor form has prompted Aaron Finch to suggest that Pant should relinquish the gloves to Pooran and focus on his captaincy from a fielding position:

It must be tough captaining while keeping wickets. You only have a few seconds to communicate with your bowlers. Maybe he could say, ‘Hey Pooran, can you keep for a game? I need to get my rhythm back.

The former Aussie skipper advised Pant to engage with his bowlers between deliveries, and strategize from outside the wicket-keeping role. Consequently, Pant’s leadership abilities might face scrutiny, if LSG fails to qualify for the 2025 IPL playoffs.