“Like a biscuit packet, every player has a best before tag” - Aakash Chopra on international cricketers announcing sudden retirements

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Nicholas Pooran and Heinrich Klaasen announcing international retirements in order to focus more on T20 franchise cricket. 

While the South African keeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen and West Indies explosive batter Nicholas Pooran recently announced shock retirements, former NZ skipper Kane Williamson also opted out of the New Zealand central contract.

“Everyone is retiring. What exactly is happening?” Aakash Chopra asked, speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Like a biscuit packet, every player has a 'best before' tag. If you don’t maximise your career in that window, when it ends, you’re left with nothing but family and fading memories," he added.

“If someone like Klaasen or Pooran can earn in four years what they would’ve made in ten for their country, who are we to judge? They want a secure and happy retirement, and this path offers that.”

“People don’t understand that players in some countries have to drive taxis or work as plumbers after retirement. Boards like West Indies have been embroiled in ego clashes. If you're not accommodating, a player is bound to leave.”

It’s important to note that the former West Indies white-ball captain Pooran retired at the age of 29, ending with 1983 runs from 61 ODIs and 2275 runs from 106 T20Is. Most recently, he was opted out of selection for the West Indies’ T20I series against England, and he didn’t feature in ODIs since WI’s exit from the ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2023.

On the other hand, Klaasen, who would be 34 next month, played his last game for his national team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand in Lahore in March 2025. He represented South Africa in four Tests, 60 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!