In the dynamic world of cricket, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has become a crucible for discovering new cricketing talents. The exciting format of T20 cricket has given rise to young players who are making their mark on the international stage. In this article, we shed light on five West Indian players who are on the cusp of stardom in the CPL.
Alick Athanaze (Barbados Royals)
A promising talent hailing from Barbados Royals, Alick Athanaze has yet to make his official T20 debut. However, his prowess was evident during the ODIs against UAE and India, showcasing a wide array of shots, including the tricky reverse-sweep. Athanaze’s experience in the Global T20 Canada and the Vincy T10 league has honed his skills and confidence. His versatility shines through as he not only demonstrates his batting prowess but also contributes with his offspin bowling and impressive outfield skills. This multifaceted approach makes him an exciting package for the Royals.
Kevin Wickham (Barbados Royals)
Another gem from the Barbados Royals stable is Kevin Wickham, who is yet to make his official T20 appearance. Nonetheless, his standout performance in the Barbados T10 final for Settlers caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. Opening the batting, Wickham’s blistering 45 off 21 balls showcased his ability to seize the momentum. Notably, his talent also garnered interest from St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, where he played against a visiting Scotland side for their developmental team. This performance underscored his potential as a top-order batsman, setting him on the path to a promising CPL journey.
Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)
Matthew Forde, a standout player from St Lucia Kings, has demonstrated his mettle as a prolific wicket-taker. His exceptional performance in the Global T20 Canada, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps, showcased his lethal bowling skills. With an impressive average of 10.80 and an economy rate of 6.43, Forde’s consistency and ability to contain batsmen cannot be understated. Notably, his prowess was highlighted in the Surrey Jaguars’ journey to the final, where he played a crucial role. Moreover, his commendable display in the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament, conceding only five runs per over across seven matches, solidified his place among the rising stars.
Kofi James (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots)
Kofi James, a product of the extensive scouting system of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, has risen through the ranks with determination. Initially a lower-order batter, James showcased his adaptability by moving up the order and expanding his batting range. This transformation was on full display during the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer with a remarkable 330 runs in nine innings, including a century. His dominance over Scotland internationals like Richie Berrington and Matthew Cross emphasized his potential. Additionally, his dart-it-in offspin bowling has caught the attention of the Patriots’ new head coach, Malolan Rangarajan, adding an extra layer to his burgeoning career.
Nicholson Gordon (Jamaica Tallawahs)
The seasoned fast bowler, Nicholson Gordon, stands out as the elder statesman among the rising stars. Despite his relative T20 inexperience, he played a pivotal role in Jamaica Tallawahs’ CPL 2022 victory. Gordon’s emergence was particularly notable in the absence of the injured Mohammad Amir, as he took crucial wickets in the final against Royals. Notably, his scalps included Najibullah Zadran, Corbin Bosch, and Devon Thomas, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Despite his age, Gordon’s contributions underline the fact that it’s never too late to make a mark in the T20 arena.
