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What is the Salary of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player in the West Indies?

Today we will discuss the salary of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player in the West Indies.

With the great T20 generation of the West Indies comprising of Gayle, Bravo, Pollard, Sammy, Russell, and more, the CPL has generated lots of hype over the years.

However, there’s one question on every cricket fan’s mind: just how much do these players make?

CPL Salary – By the Numbers

  • The average salary of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player is $45,882 (maximum 17 players in squad with a maximum purse of $780,000). Hence, the maximum salary cap for the entire CPL was $4.68 million for a maximum of 102 players, divided among 6 teams.
  • The average salary for a domestic Caribbean Premier League player is $40,993 ($2,992,500 purse for a total of 73 domestic players). The average salary for an overseas CPL cricketer is $60,089 ($1,682,500 for 28 signed overseas players).
  • In CPL 2020, the salary amounts were cut by 30% due to COVID induced financial problems. It is unclear if the payments are back to the original amounts (In this article, we present the original salary amounts. For CPL 2020, the salary was reduced by 30% for players earning above $20,000 per season. For example, Round 1 picks would get $112,000 instead of $160,000).
  • Compared to other leagues, CPL ranks at #9 in the richest cricket leagues (according to average salaries).

*Note: All amounts in US dollar ($).

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – How Much Was Each Draft Pick?

The draft picks range from $3,000 (Round 15) to $160,000 (Round 1).

In addition, 2 emerging West Indies players can be selected in Round 16 & 17. We estimate their earnings to be between $1,000-$3,000.

Draft PicksSalary Amounts
Round 1$160,000
Round 2$130,000
Round 3$110,000
Round 4$90,000
Round 5$70,000
Round 6$60,000
Round 7$40,000
Round 8 $30,000
Round 9$20,000
Round 10 $15,000
Round 11$10,000
Round 12$7,500
Round 13$5,000
Round 14$4,000
Round 15$3,000
Round 16-17$1,000-$3,000

Note*: The last public salary update was in 2020. Some of these amounts may have increased due to inflation and annual raises.

Also Read:

CPL Draft Picks – Salary of Caribbean Premier League Player

Here were the rules for the 2023 CPL draft:

  • 17 maximum players per squad
  • 5 maximum overseas players squad
  • Teams can retain players from CPL 2022 & the 6ixty
  • 4 overseas signings should have been signed before the draft while the fifth spot could be signed at any point

*Note: The overseas & marquee signings may be higher than the draft round the players were picked in. Also, Trinbago Knight Riders’ individual player salaries for CPL 2023 may be slightly higher since they only signed 16 players instead of 17.

1. First Round Draft Pick ($160,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Imad Wasim CPL SalaryJamaica TallawahsSigned
Faf du Plessis CPL SalarySaint Lucia KingsSigned
Kieron Pollard CPL SalaryTrinbago Knight RidersRetained
Evin Lewis CPL SalarySt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Rovman Powell CPL SalaryBarbados RoyalsTransferred
Imran Tahir CPL SalaryGuyana Amazon WarriorsSigned

2. Second Round Draft Pick ($130,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Brandon King CPL SalaryJamaica TallawahsRetained
Johnson Charles CPL SalarySaint Lucia KingsRetained
Andre Russell CPL SalaryTrinbago Knight RidersRetained
Ambati Rayudu CPL Salary (Marquee)*St. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSigned
Jason Holder CPL SalaryBarbados RoyalsRetained
Shimron Hetmyer CPL SalaryGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

*replacement for Tristan Stubbs

3. Third Round Draft Pick ($110,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Fabian Allen Jamaica TallawahsRetained
Sean Williams*Saint Lucia KingsSigned
Sunil Narine Trinbago Knight RidersRetained
Andre FletcherSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Kyle MayersBarbados RoyalsRetained
Mohammad Haris/Rahmanullah Gurbaz*Guyana Amazon WarriorsSigned

*Sean Williams is the replacement for Dasun Shanaka. Gurbaz will come back in the second half, and Haris will fill in for him till then.

4. Fourth Round Draft Pick ($90,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Mohammad AmirJamaica TallawahsSigned
Alzarri JosephSaint Lucia KingsRetained
Nicholas Pooran Trinbago Knight RidersRetained
Sherfane RutherfordSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Qais Ahmed/Mahesh Theekshana*Barbados RoyalsSigned
Odean SmithGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

*Theekshana will be at the Asia Cup for the first half of the tournament, and Qais Ahmed will fill in for him till he comes back.

5. Fifth Round Draft Pick ($70,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Alex Hales*Jamaica TallawahsSigned
Roston ChaseSaint Lucia KingsRetained
Rilee RossouwTrinbago Knight RidersSigned
Dominic DrakesSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Laurie Evans*Barbados RoyalsSigned
Romario ShepherdGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

*Alex Hales replaces Naveen-ul-Haq. Evans is the replacement for Rassie van der Dussen.

6. Sixth Round Draft Pick ($60,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Chris GreenJamaica TallawahsSigned
Jair McAllisterSaint Lucia KingsDrafted
Akeal HoseinTrinbago Knight RidersRetained
Sheldon CottrellSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Alick AthanazBarbados RoyalsDrafted
Azam KhanGuyana Amazon WarriorsSigned

7. Seventh Round Draft Pick ($40,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Ben CuttingJamaica TallawahsSigned
Sikandar RazaSaint Lucia KingsSigned
Dwayne BravoTrinbago Knight RidersTraded
George LindeSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSigned
Obed McCoyBarbados RoyalsRetained
Shai HopeGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

8. Eighth Round Draft Pick ($30,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Jermaine BlackwoodJamaica TallawahsDrafted
Peter HatzoglouSaint Lucia KingsSigned
Martin GuptillTrinbago Knight RidersSigned
Yannick CariahSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsDrafted
Kevin WickhamBarbados RoyalsDrafted
Saim AyubGuyana Amazon WarriorsSigned

9. Ninth Round Draft Pick ($20,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Shamarh BrooksJamaica TallawahsRetained
Chris Sole/Bhanuka Rajapakskha*Saint Lucia KingsSigned
Noor AhmadTrinbago Knight RidersSigned
Oshane ThomasSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsTraded
Roelof Van der MerweBarbados RoyalsSigned
Gudakesh MotieGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

*Chris Sole will be avialbe for the first five matches, after which Rajapaksha comes into the squad.

10. Tenth Round Draft Pick ($15,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Hayden Walsh Jr.Jamaica TallawahsTransferred
Roshon PrimusSaint Lucia KingsRetained
Matheesha PathiranaTrinbago Knight RidersSigned
Corbin BoschSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSigned
Akeem JordanBarbados RoyalsDrafted
Dwaine PretoriousGuyana Amazon WarriorsSigned

11. Eleventh Round Draft Pick ($10,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Raymon ReiferJamaica TallawahsRetained
Jeavor RoyalSaint Lucia KingsRetained
Jayden SealesTrinbago Knight RidersRetained
Dewald BrevisSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSigned
Rakheem CornwallBarbados RoyalsRetained
Kevin SinclairGuyana Amazon WarriorsDrafted

12. Twelfth Round Draft Pick ($7,500)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Amir JangooJamaica TallawahsRetained
Shadrack DescarteSaint Lucia KingsDrafted
Mark DeyalTrinbago Knight RidersTransferred
Jyd GoolieSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsDrafted
Donovan FerreiraBarbados RoyalsSigned
Keemo PaulGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

13. Thirteenth Round Draft Pick ($5,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Steven TaylorJamaica TallawahsDrafted
Khary PierreSaint Lucia KingsTransferred
*Did not signTrinbago Knight RidersSigned
Izaharulhaq NaveedSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsSigned
Justin GreavesBarbados RoyalsRetained
Chandrapaul HemrajGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained

14. Fourteeenth Round Draft Pick ($4,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Shamar SpringerJamaica TallawahsRetained
Leonardo JulienSaint Lucia KingsDrafted
Chadwick WaltonTrinbago Knight RidersDrafted
Kofi JamesSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsDrafted
Joshua BishopBarbados RoyalsRetained
Ronsford BeatonGuyana Amazon WarriorsDrafted

15. Fifteenth Round Draft Pick ($3,000)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Nicholson GordonJamaica TallawahsRetained
Matthew FordeSaint Lucia KingsRetained
Terrence HindsTrinbago Knight RidersDrafted
Joshua Da SilvaSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsRetained
Nyeem YoungBarbados RoyalsRetained
Kevlon AndersonGuyana Amazon WarriorsDrafted

16. Emerging Players (Rounds 16 & 17)

PlayerTeamSigned/Drafted/Retained
Kirk McKenzie, Joshua JamesJamaica TallawahsRetained, Retained
Kimani Melius, McKenny ClarkeSaint Lucia KingsDrafted, Retained
Kadeem Alleyne, Jaden CarmichaelTrinbago Knight RidersDrafted, Drafted
Ashmead Nedo, Johann LayneSt. Kitts & Nevis PatriotsDrafted, Drafted
Rivaldo Clarke, Ramon SimmondsBarbados RoyalsDrafted, Retained
Matthew Nandu, Junior SinclairGuyana Amazon WarriorsRetained, Retained

Final Thoughts

The CPL have revived Caribbean cricket financially, but what can be done to revive West Indies cricket in general?

Are the CPL salaries good enough to incentivize growth in West Indies cricket?

Why or why not? Comment below, would love to know about your thoughts!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Salary of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player

What is the average salary for a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player in the West Indies?

The average salary of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) player is $45,882 (maximum 17 players in squad with a maximum purse of $780,000). Hence, the maximum salary cap for the entire CPL was $4.68 million for a maximum of 102 players, divided among 6 teams.

Is Caribbean Premier League (CPL) the richest cricket league in the world?

No, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world. The CPL is the ninth richest cricket league in the world (based on average player salary).

How much money does Kieron Pollard make in the CPL in the West Indies?

Kieron Pollard makes $160,000 in the CPL in the West Indies

Who was the most expensive player in the CPL 2023 draft?

Imad Wasim, Faf du Plessis, Kieron Pollard, Evin Lewis, Rovman Powell, and Imran Tahir were the most expensive players in the CPL 2023 draft at $160,000. These signings were mixtures of overseas signings, trades/transfers, and retentions.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 08/13/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #35 Quick Review!

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Quick Review – Sharp Sri Lanka ends West Indian T20 legacy.

Sri Lanka are leaving with their heads held high, 5 wins out 8 & a positive brand of cricket. WI depart as an era ends.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Video Highlights

Toss: West Indies won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Umpires: Aleem Dar & Langton Rusere

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
  • Scores: Sri Lanka 189/3 West Indies 169/8
  • Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka 68 (41)
  • Best Figures
    • Andre Russell (4-0-33-2)
    • Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-19-2)
  • Most Runs
    • Charith Asalanka 68 (44)
    • Shimron Hetmyer 81* (54)

Moments of The Day: Sri Lanka Batted Better, Fielded Better, Bowled Better

  • Everyone from Sri Lanka contributed today. Kusal Perera 29 (21) & Pathum Nissanka 51 (41) gave them yet another bright start, but it was Asalanka’a clinical timing and Shanaka’s finishing 25* (14) that gave SL an above-par sore.
  • In every one of these quick summaries, we have mentioned Hasaranga. Sometimes he has contributed with the bat, sometimes with the ball, and sometimes both. Oh and the fielding is pretty good as well. Here is how he fared in the tournament, definitely a player of the tournament contender:
    • 2/24
    • 71 & 1/12
    • 3/9
    • 6 & 0/29
    • 4 & 2/22
    • 4 & 3/20
    • 34 & 3/21
    • 2/19
  • In a must win crunch game, 8 out of the 10 West Indian batters, most of them legends, scored in the single digits. Only the young guns, Nicholas Pooran (age 26) scored 46 (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (age 24) made sure West Indies at least competed. Hetmyer did not give up till the very end, bringing the target down to 35 in 6 balls.

Honorable Mention: Rajapaksa’s diving catch to dismiss Roston Chase & Karunatne’s running catch to dismiss Holder were outstanding

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Sun Sets For the Legends

Darren Sammy had repeatedly set on air that these group of West Indian players were aware that this tournament would define their legacies, especially Chris Gayle & Dwayne Bravo. However, Gayle went out for 1 & Bravo for 2 (and only one wicket at an economy rate of 10.50). Bravo is officially retiring from international duty after this World Cup and one can only assume the same with Chris Gayle.

Pollard is still staying although his captaincy status depends on the board. With Pooran, Hetmyer, & Holder (only 29 years old), the leadership group for the next generation is there but rebuilding needs to start now.

In any case, thank you Legends. We love you for all you have given this sport. They have defined the T20 format and made it their own.

Also Read: 200th Article Special: 5 Things I have Learned From My Journey of Cricket Writing

T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Charith Asalanka – 231 runs (Sri Lanka, 6 Matches)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga – 16 wickets (Sri Lanka, 8 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod 7 catches (Scotland, 6 Matches)
  • Matthew Wade – 7 dismissals (Australia, 4 Matches)

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England44008+ 3.183
2. Australia43106+ 1.031
3. South Africa43106+ 0.742
4. Sri Lanka52304– 0.269
5. West Indies41302– 1.558
6. Bangladesh50500– 2.383
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan44008+ 1.065
2. Afghanistan42204+ 1.481
3. New Zealand32104+ 0.816
4. India31102+ 0.073
5. Namibia31202– 1.600
6. Scotland30300– 2.645
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/04/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Nicholas Pooran

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

West Indies Vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2021 Match #23 Quick Review! Both Teams Were So Bad That At The End, It Was Actually Good

West Indies Vs Bangladesh Quick Review — Nicholas Pooran’s quickfire 40, Jason Holder’s all-round package (and height), and Andre Russell’s death bowling ensured West Indies do not go out without a fight, unlike Bangladesh.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: West Indies Vs Bangladesh Video Highlights

Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first.

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE

Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: West Indies won by 3 runs
  • Scores: West Indies 142/7Bangladesh 139/5
  • Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
  • Best Figures
    • Shoriful Islam (4-0-20-2), Mahedi Hasan (4-0-20-2)
    • Jason Holder (4-0-22-1)
  • Most Runs
    • Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
    • Liton Das 44 (43)

Moments of The Day: Jason Holder’s Selection Inspires Dispirited West Indies

  • After 12.4 overs, West Indies were going nowhere at 62/4 and Roston Chase replicating Simmons’ role from their previous game. Then came in Nicholas Pooran, a man with more ducks this year than any decent size lake. Today he repaid the faith to the West Indies selectors for keeping faith in him and scored a game changing 40 with 4 sixes. When Harsha Bhogle asked what was the difference between his ball striking and the rest struggling, he said, “That is just my talent.”
  • Jason Holder, who replaced injured Obed McCoy, was my player of the game today. 15* (5) including 2 sixes at the end, an opening spell of 4-0-22-1, and 2 catches – including Liton Das’ catch (that only a man of his height could have caught). Why wasn’t he selected in the original squad again?
  • Liton Das finally found some runs and steadied the innings with 44 (43), but captain Mahmudullah took it up another notch. He scored a quickfire 31* (24) before Russell defended 12 runs in the final over.

Proper thriller.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Shakib Al Hasan Injured, Pollard Goes Off, Bangladesh Almost Out

This match had more comedy of errors than actual cricket. Not one broken dream, but four or five. Here they are:

  • One of the more curious moments of this game was when Kieron Pollard went out when he was struggling at 8 (16) Some people prematurely declared it as a ‘retired out.’ However, it looked like the heat got to Pollard and he had ‘retired ill.’ Fortunately for the Windies, he came back just in time and hit the last ball to the fence. As it turned out those six runs proved to be extra crucial in the context of the match.
  • The next ball, Russell was run-out at the non-striker’s catch without facing a ball.
  • My Broken Cricket Dream of the day was the abysmal quality of fielding. Both sides dropped easy chances and missed stumping cost Bangladesh as well. Bangladesh could have 2 wins out of 3 in the Super 12s, but due to their fielding, they are 0 out of 0.
  • Shakib Al Hasan might have suffered a hamstring injury but he bowled through the pain. He was sent as a pinch hitter to fully optimize his stay. However, he had middling returns today. Bangladesh are almost out of the tournament, but Shakib’s injury makes situations even worse.

Also Read:

T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
  • Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
  • Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
  • Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals

Group 1 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. England22004+ 3.614
2. Australia22004+ 0.727
3. South Africa21102+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka21102– 0.416
5. West Indies31202– 1.598
6. Bangladesh30300– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table

Group 2 Table

TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Pakistan33006+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan21102+ 3.092
3. Namibia10102+ 0.550
4. New Zealand10100– 0.532
5. India10100– 0.973
6. Scotland20002– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table

Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:

  1. A Review – Group A 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka
  2. B Review – Group B 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
  3. 1 Review – Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies
  4. 2 Review – Group 2 2021 T20 World Cup Squads Dissected: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 10/29/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

Home » Nicholas Pooran

Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

Caribbean Premier League 2021 (CPL 2021): Everything You Need To Know Quickly—Teams, Fixtures, & Predictions

Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2021)—The party is back in town once again!

The West Indies have just finished a marathon 14 game home T20I season against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan.

It is now time for the domestic West Indies T20 league and for fringe players to make their cases. In the first 3 days of CPL 2021, we have had so many great moments—Dre Russ’s 14-ball 50, TKR already losing a game, Faf’s comeback from concussion, Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent form, Tims (David & Seifert) having breakout seasons, and experienced Amir-Udana-Rampaul-Tahir topping the bowling charts so far. If you haven’t been watching, this is time to switch your TVs back on, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching soon.

Here is everything you need to know about CPL 2021.

Also Read: 42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You!, Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

Quick Summary

  • Matches: 33 (6 teams, 10 matches each, double round robin, top 4 qualify for semi-finals)
  • Teams: Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Dates: August 26th- September 15th
  • Venues: Warner Park Sporting Complex, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis

History

  1. Trinbago Knight Riders: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 (Won)
  2. Barbados Royals: 2014, 2019 (Won)
  3. Jamaica Tallawahs: 2013, 2016 (Won)
  4. Guyana Amazon Warriors: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 (Runners Up)
  5. Saint Lucia Kings: 2020 (Runners Up)
  6. St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots: 2017 (Runners Up)

CPL 2021: Teams & Expected Playing XI

Barbados Tridents & Saint Lucia Zouks no more, we now have Barbados Royals (from Rajasthan Royals) & Saint Lucia Kings (from Punjab Kings).

The Indian Premier League is slowly taking over the world.

*Teams highlighted in their respective jersey colors

Trinbago Knight Riders

  • West Indies Internationals: Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip
  • West Indies Domestic: Leonardo Julien (WK), Tion Webster
  • Foreign Recruits: Ali Khan (USA), Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (NZ), Isuru Udana (SL), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Imran Jan

I am looking forward to the New Zealand duo Munro & Seifert along with the fast bowling trio – experienced Rampaul, promising Seales, & energetic Ali Khan.

Trinbago Knight Riders Expected XI:

  1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Tim Seifert, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Sunil Narine, 7. Denesh Ramdin, 8. Ravi Rampaul/Isuru Udana, 9. Jayden Seales, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Akeal Hosein

Barbados Royals

  • West Indies Internationals: Jason Holder (C), Johnson Charles (WK), Shai Hope (WK), Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse, Raymon Reifer, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua Bishop, Justin Greaves, Nyeem Young
  • Foreign Recruits: Azam Khan – WK, Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Jake Lintott (England), Smit Patel – WK (USA/ former India), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), Glenn Phillips – WK (New Zealand)

Coaching Staff: Trevor Penney

I am looking forward to the foreign contingent. Jake Lintott had a successful Hundred season, Glenn Phillips & Azam Khan are power hitters, while Perera & Amir have reputation and experience on their side.

Barbados Royals Expected XI:

  1. Johnson Charles, 2. Shai Hope, 3. Glenn Phillips, 4. Kyle Mayers, 5. Azam Khan, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Hayden Walsh Jr, 9. Jake Lintott, 10. Oshane Thomas, 11. Ashley Nurse

Guyana Amazon Warriors

  • West Indies Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (WK/C), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Chandrapaul Hemraj (6 ODIs), Odean Smith (2 T20I)
  • West Indies Domestic: Anthony Bramble (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Ashmead Nedd, Nial Smith
  • Foreign Recruits: Imran Tahir (South Africa), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Rayon Griffith

I am looking forward to the dynamic between young & experience. While Pooran, Hetmyer, Shepher, & King have youth on their side, Hafeez, Malik, and Tahir are world class T20 match-winners.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Expected XI:

  1. Brandon King, 2. Chandrapaul Hemraj, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Shoaib Malik, 7. Anthony Bramble, 8. Odean Smith, 9. Romario Shepherd, 10. Imran Tahir, 11. Naveen-ul-Haq/Kevin Sinclair

Saint Lucia Kings

  • West Indies Internationals: Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Kesrick Williams
  • West Indies Domestic: Kadeem Alleyne, Keron Cottoy, Mark Deyal, Javelle Glen, Jeavor Royal
  • Foreign Recruits: Faf du Plessis – C (South Africa), Tim David (Singapore), Samit Patel (England), Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)

Coaching Staff: Andy Flower

I am looking forward to the West Indies internationals. Roston Chase, Cornwall, Kesrick Williams, Paul are not in the current T20I plan for the West Indies and Joseph, McCoy, and Paul are still on the fringes. This CPL season will show who gets in and who does not to the T20 World Cup squad. Also hope that Faf du Plessis has recovered from the concussion.

Saint Lucia Kings Expected XI:

  1. Faf du Plessis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Rahkeem Cornwall, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Tim David, 6. Samit Patel, 7. Keemo Paul, 8. Kesrick Williams, 9. Usman Qadir/Wahab Riaz, 10. Obed McCoy, 11. Alzarri Joseph

St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots

  • West Indies Internationals: Dwayne Bravo (C), Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Rayad Emrit, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Devon Thomas
  • West Indies Domestic: Colin Archibald, Dominic Drakes, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Mikyle Louis
  • Foreign Recruits: Asif Ali (Pakistan), Ravi Bopara (England), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), Paul van Meekeren

Coaching Staff: Simon Helmot

I am looking forward to Evin Lewis & Fabian Allen. They have been the two standout performers in the last three home T20I series. Can they continue their good form?

St. Kitts & Patriots Expected XI:

  1. Devon Thomas, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Ravi Bopara, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Joshua Da Silva, 8. Dwayne Bravo, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Fawad Ahmed, 11. Sheldon Cottrell

Jamaica Tallawahs

  • West Indies Internationals: Rovman Powell (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Shamarh Brooks, Fidel Edwards, Jason Mohmammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Chadwick Walton (WK)
  • West Indies Domestic: Joshua James, Kennar Lewis, Abhijai Mansingh, Kirk McKenzie, Imran Khan
  • Foreign Recruits: Haider Ali (Pakistan), Ryan Persaud (USA), Migael Pretorius (South Africa), Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan)

Coaching Staff: Floyd Reifer

I am looking forward to the star-studded lower middle order—Powell, Brathwaite, and Russell. 255/5 in their opening game already shows the potential of this team.

Jamaica Tallawahs Expected XI:

  1. Chadwick Walton (WK), 2. Kennar Lewis, 3. Haider Ali, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Rovmann Powell, 6. Andre russell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Chris Green, 9. Veerasammy Permaul, 10. Fidel Edwards, 11. Qais Ahmed

Key Match Ups To Watch Out For

  1. Huge CPL season ahead for Andre Fletcher – The Spice Man came back to the West Indies T20I side on a back of a good BBL and Big Bash tournament. However, his form in the international arena dropped off. Johnson Charles & Brandon King are contenders for the reserve opener spot if Fletcher does not have a good show here.
  2. Warriors show glimpse of West Indies’ future – Brandon King, Pooran, Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair may form the core of a future West Indies team without Gayle, Pollard, or Bravo.
  3. Can Trinbago Knight Riders do it again? Last season TKR won 12 games on a trot to dominate CPL 2020. With a similar composition of their squad, can they make it 5 trophies?

Caribbean Premier League 2021 Predictions

Finally here are my predictions.

My prediction for the team to lift the CPL 2021 trophy is….Jamaica Tallawahs with the Top 4 of Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.

  • Most Runs: Evin Lewis
  • Most Wickets: Obed McCoy
  • Emerging Player: Rohail Nazir
  • Surprise Package: Tim David/Jake Lintott
  • Broken Cricket Dream: Final CPL edition for Shoaib Malik?

Here were my Caribbean Premier League – CPL 2021 Predictions. What did you think? What are YOUR predictions? Comment Below!

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 08/30/2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

42 Contenders For 23-Men West Indies ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: #17-24 Will Shock You! Can You Guess Who Makes It?

Time for the West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, a team everyone has a time for. Last week, we analyzed 2016 World T20 finalists, England & their potential 44 players vying for the 23-men T20 World Cup squad. Today we look at their counterparts at the final who lifted the trophy.

In the last two decades, there was an impression that West Indies cricket was dying. Reminiscing at the 1908s generation was fans’ favorite pastime. Well, guess what?

I believe the 2000s T20 generation will be looked just as fondly as the 2-time 50 over winning generation or even more if they complete their hat-trick of T20 World Cup victories this time around (2012, 2016, 2021?)

Table of Contents

  1. Recent Series Results
  2. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  4. Openers
  5. Middle Order
  6. Spinning All-Rounders
  7. Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Recent Series Results

West Indies have regrouped their world cup squad with 17 games in the last couple of months. Here are the results as well as the most run-scorer/wicket-taker for West Indies in each of the series.

  • Sri Lanka tour of West Indies: West Indies won 2-1
    • Lendl Simmons (73 runs, best of 26, 140.38 SR)
    • Obed McCoy (4 wickets, best of 2/25 7.33 Economy)
  • South Africa tour of West Indies: SA won 3-2
    • Evin Lewis (131 runs, 2-50s, best of 71, 160.36 SR)
    • Dwayne Bravo (10 wickets, best of 4/19, 6.89 Economy)
  • Australia tour of West Indies: West Indies won 4-1
    • Lendl Simmons (165 runs, best of 72, 122.22 SR)
    • Hayden Walsh Jr. (12 wickets, best of 3/23, 7.00 Economy)
  • Pakistan tour of West Indies: Pakistan won 1-0 (3 No-Results)
    • Nicholas Pooran – 62* (33)
    • Jason Holder 4-0-26-2

In the last few weeks, almost all of their key players have had one match-winning performance:

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to pick the destructive West IndiesT20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Lendl Simmons (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as an Andre Russell (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in West Indies’ T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for West Indies in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented West Indies earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the West Indies squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup (17 October-14 November)

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the CPL (26 August-15 September) or IPL (19 September-15 October), and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

World T20 Watch: West Indies Vs South Africa 2021, West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2021, West Indies Vs Bangladesh 2021 Series Review: Young West Indies Rises Again In the East, New Zealand Vs West Indies 2020

Here is the pecking order now. The Predicted XI & 23-men squad at the bottom!

Openers

1. Evin Lewis 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 45, Runs: 1318, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 180.17, Average: 32.14, SR: 158.03
  • T20s: 171, Runs: 4836, 100/50: 4/33, Best: 125*, AVE+SR: 174.64, Average: 30.80, SR: 143.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 30, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Fortune Favors the Fit—If fit, Evin Lewis is one of the most destructive when on fire. Saves his best for international T20I.

2. Lendl Simmons 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 66, Runs: 1508, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 91*, AVE+SR: 150.81, Average: 27.41, SR: 123.40
  • T20s: 272, Runs: 7329, 100/50: 1/58, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 150.22, Average: 30.53, SR: 119.69
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 27, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • It seems that Simmons makes the West Indies squad in the World Cup year and disappears for the 3-4 years in the middle. The real question is—does Simmons get the opening or #4 spot?

3. Andre Fletcher 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 54, Runs: 950, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 132.48, Average: 21.11, SR: 111.37
  • T20s: 218, Runs: 5224, 100/50: 1/26, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 144.04, Average: 26.78, SR: 117.26
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • The Spiceman Andre Fletcher received the well-deserved call-up to the Windies side on the back of his T20 league exploits. However, he has looked out of touch in the last three series (poor run – 9, 4, 6, 12, 0, 14*, 17*). The 17* with 2 sixes in the first over in the rain truncated game against Pakistan might have just saved his spot

4. Brandon King 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 11, Runs: 153, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 15.30, SR: 134.21
  • T20s: 55, Runs: 1101, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 132*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.60, SR: 132.01
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • King rose to a West Indies cap on the back of a brilliant run in the 2019 CPL (most runs scored – 496 runs), helping Guyana qualify for the final. However, he has yet to light international cricket on fire.

5. Johnson Charles 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 724, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 149.51, Average: 21.93, SR: 121.68
  • T20s: 187, Runs: 4491, 100/50: 1/27, Best: 105*, AVE+SR: 157.61, Average: 25.08, SR: 128.46
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: September 26, 2016
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Provided the starts for WI in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but has been out of the international arena since. 3rd highest run-scorer in CPL 2019 after Brandon King & Lendl Simmons, he is also third in the running for the reserve opener after King & Simmons.

6. Shai Hope 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 238, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 55, AVE+SR: 157.63, Average: 21.63, SR: 136.00
  • T20s: 40, Runs: 772, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 88, AVE+SR: 141.50, Average: 21.44, SR: 120.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 16, 2019 (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Sweet timer of the ball. West Indies’ most consistent ODI batter. Inconsistent Test batter. Not the best T20 player, but an outside chance nevertheless.

7. Chadwick Walton 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 19, Runs: 225, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 40, AVE+SR: 124.06, Average: 13.23, SR: 110.83
  • T20s: 170, Runs: 3200, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 99*, AVE+SR: 146.05, Average: 22.22, SR: 123.83
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 4, 2018
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Performs around the world in the PSL & CPL, he is still just in the conversation. Wicketkeeper role might give him a boost, but unlikely since Pooran & Simmons can keep wickets.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Brandon King
  • Out of Team: Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Chadwick Walton

Middle Order

8. Chris Gayle 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Occasional off-spin
  • T20Is: 74, Runs: 1854, 100/50: 2/14, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 168.60, Average: 29.42, SR: 139.18, Wickets: 19, Best: 2/15, Economy: 6.92
  • T20s: 437, Runs: 14096, 100/50: 22/83, Best: 175*, AVE+SR: 183.48, Average: 37.38, SR: 146.10, Wickets: 82, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 4 decades, 2 World Cups, 42 international hundreds, 22 T20 tons, best of 117 175*, 215, 333 across formats, 14000 T20 runs. The Boss. Universe Boss. Doubt him at your own peril. In his own words, “Soon to 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle still on the field. Just respect the Universe Boss and let him have some fun.”

9. Shimron Hetmyer 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 37, Runs: 539, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 61, AVE+SR: 136.87, Average: 19.96, SR: 116.91
  • T20s: 98, Runs: 1836, 100/50: 1/10, Best: 100, AVE+SR: 156.10, Average: 25.15, SR: 130.95
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Only 24, he already has 5 ODI centuries. No doubt on his talent & flair, consistency & game situation has room to improve. Flexible floater, will be interesting what spot he will bat on.

10. Nicholas Pooran 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Vice Captain/Wicketkeeper
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 634, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62*, AVE+SR: 146.81, Average: 22.64, SR: 124.07
  • T20s: 185, Runs: 3415, 100/50: 1/17, Best: 100*, AVE+SR: 166.80, Average: 24.39, SR: 142.41
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Since his coming of age in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pooran has underwhelmed Since IPL 2021, he has endured several run-outs, ducks of all kind, and has been unable to finish matches. Pollard & team management back their vice-captain, and he is just beginning to come back to form. Hope he is peaking at the right time. Should definitely make the XI on pedigree. You can read his inspirational story of pain & hope here.

11. Darren Bravo 🟥

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 21, Runs: 345, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 43*, AVE+SR: 125.64, Average: 19.16, SR: 106.48
  • T20s: 152, Runs: 3218, 100/50: 0/19, Best: 94*, AVE+SR: 149.96, Average: 32.18, SR: 117.78
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Replicating Brian Lara’s technique, unfortunately Darren Bravo has not been able to replicate his international career, apart from a few important overseas centuries. Much improved T20 player, where does he bat with Gayle at #3? He batted at #8 in his last WI outing…

12. Sherfane Rutherford 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 43, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 26, AVE+SR: 84.42, Average: 23.14, SR: 61.28
  • T20s: 61, Runs: 901, 100/50: 0/12, Best: 60, AVE+SR: 161.13, Average: 22.52, SR: 138.61
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 18, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • Seen around the world in the PSL, BBL, PSL, and IPL, he is a hot commodity in the T20 circuit. Gun fielder as well, does he make the 23-squad as an X-factor?

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Middle Order

  • Makes Team: Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran
  • Out of Team: Darren Bravo, Sherfane Rutherford

Spinning All-Rounders

It was clearly evident with the #4 experiment involving Simmons, Holder, & Fletcher, West Indies are trying to find a Marlon Samuels-esque insurance policy, especially a right handed middle order (to separate Lewis, Gayle, Pooran, Hetmyer) who is a part-time spinner (for UAE conditions).

The weakest area for the West Indies, most of these players below are highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.

13. Sunil Narine 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Pinch Hitter
  • T20Is: 51, Runs: 155, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 122.64, Average: 10.33, SR: 112.31, Wickets: 52, Best: 4/12, Economy: 6.01
  • T20s: 212, Runs: 2559, 100/50: 0/9, Best: 79, AVE+SR: 161.18, Average: 14.87, SR: 146.31, Wickets: 396, Best: 5/19, Economy: 6.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 5, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes., IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • He is welcome to the West Indies team if he chooses to/when he regains confidence. His international career has been thwarted by suspect action, but his T20 career has revived due to batting abilities. Great against spin, poor against pace, he has been found out at the IPL. One final flourish? Surely he makes the 23?

14. Jason Mohammed 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 90, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 23*, AVE+SR: 105.37, Average: 18.00, SR: 87.37
  • T20s: 90, Runs: 1231, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 124.02, Average: 22.79, SR: 101.23, Wickets: 5, Best: 2/6, Economy: 7.06
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: April 2, 2018 (ODI: July 23, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Mohammed’s career is quite interesting. Debuting in 2011, he has only played 35 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Yet his performances in Regional Super50 competition merited his comeback to the extent that he even captained the West Indies as late as December 2020 in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Senior player, off-spinner – looks like Samuels on paper, but not enough international performances.

15. Roston Chase 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/ Top Order Stabilizer
  • T20s: 16, Runs: 302, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 66, AVE+SR: 150.01, Average: 37.75, SR: 112.26, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/12, Economy: 5.48
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 20, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Senior play in Tests and until recently in Jason Holder’s ‘engine room,’ Chase’s form has dropped off since the COVID break. However, he has started to play T20s and will play in the CPL. In UAE conditions, a mature batter & off-spinner like him might be an interesting choice.

16. Rakheem Cornwall 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Off Spinner/Lower Order Hitter
  • T20s: 51, Runs: 776, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 168.15, Average: 18.92, SR: 149.23, Wickets: 24, Best: 3/10, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Yet to Play (Test: June 11, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • A fan favorite, excellent slip fielder, effective off-spinner, and a counterattacking batter, Cornwall has solidified his spot in Tests. Can he perform in the CPL for a late run to the World Cup spot?

17. Fabian Allen 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Left arm spinner/Finisher
  • T20Is: 28, Runs: 250, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 34, AVE+SR: 156.73, Average: 17.85, SR: 138.88, Wickets: 20, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.21
  • T20s: 49, Runs: 596, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 22.92, SR: 155.61, Wickets: 29, Best: 2/18, Economy: 7.67
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 29 (14), 8*(8), 19* (13), 14* (9), 34* (12), 21* (6). Fabian Allen has been a revelation as a finisher in the last four series starting from the 3 consecutive sixes against Sri Lanka. Left arm off spinner, West Indies’ best fielder (sorry Hayden), and wonderful celebration, Allen makes it to the XI without a doubt.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinning All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Fabian Allen, Sunil Narine, 1 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
  • Out of Team: 2 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase

Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders

Teams are lucky to have one legend. Apart from Gayle, this section gives 3-4 more legends to the West Indies. Luxury of riches in the fast bowling all-rounder department.

18. Kieron Pollard 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain/Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 88, Runs: 1378, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 75*, AVE+SR: 162.53, Average: 24.60, SR: 137.93, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 550, Runs: 10898, 100/50: 1/54, Best: 104, AVE+SR: 178.53, Average: 31.68, SR: 152.84, Wickets: 297, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.20
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Mumbai Indians
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Since his captaincy stint, Pollard has entered his best phase. Taking TKR to an undefeated run to victory in the CPL, he is now a lot more mature in reading the game situation, a characteristic most other WI batters lack. He can hit it out of the ground or soak in the pressure when needed. Brilliant fielder and has the partnership breaking golden arm as well.

19. Jason Holder 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Opening Medium Fast Bowler
  • T20Is: 27, Runs: 201, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 134.29, Average: 16.75, SR: 117.54, Wickets: 22, Best: 4/26, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 137, Runs: 1171, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 69, AVE+SR: 143.65, Average: 15.82, SR: 127.83, Wickets: 119, Best: 4/26, Economy: 7.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • From restarting Test cricket in England post COVID break with a magnificent chase to losing his Test captaincy, he has seen all the ups and downs in the last two years. A couple of knocks under pressure in IPL 2020, and he found his way back to the T20I side. Blocking Hasaranga in the penultimate over to save Allen was one of his recent highlights although the #4 experiment has failed. Has also had a few good bowling spells. Should make the 23-men squad, but does he make your XI?

20. Andre Russell 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Fast Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 62, Runs: 1034, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 51, AVE+SR: 177.38, Average: 21.05, SR: 156.33, Wickets: 36, Best: 3/43, Economy: 9.18
  • T20s: 369, Runs: 6225, 100/50: 2/24, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 196.37, Average: 26.71, SR: 169.66, Wickets: 325, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.38
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • The highest AVE+SR for any WI batter, he will be disappointed with his low average & 50+ scores in T20I. The most destructive finisher & one of the longest hitter of the ball, he makes it to the XI. Death bowling skills is a definite plus. Needs to learn to trust batting partners in the final over and take singles/doubles.

21. Dwayne Bravo 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Death Bowler/Slower Delivery Specialist
  • T20Is: 86, Runs: 1229, 100/50: 0/4, Best: 66*, AVE+SR: 138.79, Average: 23.18, SR: 115.61, Wickets: 76, Best: 4/19, Economy: 8.08
  • T20s: 490, Runs: 6429, 100/50: 0/20, Best: 70*, AVE+SR: 150.57, Average: 23.72, SR: 126.85, Wickets: 532, Best: 5/23, Economy: 8.19
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? Yes. IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • 133 T20 wickets more than the next in the list, Imran Tahir, Bravo has conquered all the leagues around the world. Retiring and coming back, it seems that he has finally played his final T20I game at home. Still going strong with a career-best 4/19 against South Africa along with a 47* (34) at #5 against Australia. One final stretch for the great man.

22. Carlos Brathwaite 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 41, Runs: 310, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37*, AVE+SR: 127.89, Average: 14.76, SR: 113.13, Wickets: 31, Best: 3/20, Economy: 8.57
  • T20s: 210, Runs: 1923, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 64*, AVE+SR: 152.17, Average: 15.89, SR: 136.28, Wickets: 195, Best: 4/15, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 13, 2019
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Apart from “Remember the Name” & “Dream is Diminished,” not much of note in between for Carlos. Still possesses the X-factor and is playing in leagues like the Hundred. Since there are plenty of allrounders, the real question is, “Do the selectors remember his name?”

23. Rovman Powell 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 344, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 18.10, SR: 120.70, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/31, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 88, Runs: 1319, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 84, AVE+SR: 150.16, Average: 21.98, SR: 128.18, Wickets: 16, Best: 2/21, Economy: 10.25
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Known for his massive six hitting ability, Powell has been on the West Indies radar for a while, even scoring an ODI 100. He is one of the players on the fringes and this CPL will be an outright audition for him.

24. Keemo Paul 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Medium Pacer
  • T20Is: 20, Runs: 168, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 54, AVE+SR: 138.80, Average: 21.00, SR: 117.48, Wickets: 24, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.93
  • T20s: 64, Runs: 397, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 38, AVE+SR: 123.46, Average: 14.70, SR: 108.76, Wickets: 61, Best: 5/15, Economy: 8.84
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: March 6, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Skiddy bowler and useful hitter down the order, he is one of West Indies’ brightest prospects. From the 2016 U-19 World Cup fame, he rose through the ranks, even receiving the 2019 T20 Player of the Year for the West Indies. Can the 23-year old make the squad or is it too soon?

25. Kyle Mayers 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Right arm Medium
  • T20Is: 2, Runs: 25, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 20, AVE+SR: 163.88, Average: 25.00, SR: 138.88
  • T20s: 63, Runs: 715, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 85, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 16.62, SR: 111.19, Wickets:16, Best: 2/14, Economy: 7.79
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: November 29, 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • A left field choice. From the da Silva-Bonner-Mayers Bangladesh fame, Mayers’ career has only gone up. 210* on debut second innings chase, he has also forced his way to the second string ODI squad. A good show with the ball in the Test against South Africa, and now you have a good all-round package. Will probably not make this squad but good to have him as cover.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Medium Pace All-Rounders/Finishers

  • Makes Team: Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul
  • Out of Team: Carlos Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers

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Fast Bowlers

26. Obed McCoy 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 19, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.70
  • T20s: 31, Wickets: 39, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.08
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 11, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • Find for the West Indies in the last couple of months. His slower deliveries are well disguised and can bowl at any point of the innings. Should not only make the 23, but also the XI.

27. Sheldon Cottrell 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 34, Wickets: 42, Best: 4/28, Economy: 7.85
  • T20s: 108, Wickets: 140, Best: 4/20, Economy: 7.57
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
  • McCoy has overtaken him in the pecking order, but still remains effective. Salute celebration, good fielding abilities, he should make it in the squad. Was on the receiving end of Tewatia’s special in IPL 2020 at UAE.

28. Fidel Edwards 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 20, Best: 3/23, Economy: 8.24
  • T20s: 115, Wickets: 109, Best: 5/22, Economy: 7.74
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 9, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • Remarkable comeback story. Debuting back in 2003, he left to England around 2012 after 165 Test wickets & 60 ODI wickets, employing his trade for Hampshire. Now back to the T20I side as a 39-year-old, he hasn’t been at his best. However, a slingy fast bowler is never a bad thing as long as he is fit.

29. Alzarri Joseph 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 27, Best: 6/12, Economy: 9.40
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
  • One of the breakthrough stars of the 2016 U-19 World Cup, he was soon fast tracked to the Test & ODI arena. Although he has yet to debut in T20Is, his 6/12 remains the best figures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Has also shown maturity with the bat with 86 (Test) & 29* (ODI) recently. He has the potential, but might be a toss off between him and Oshane Thomas.

30. Oshane Thomas 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 19, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.16
  • T20s: 44, Wickets: 57, Best: 5/28, Economy: 9.32
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: July 15, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • West Indies’ 2019 Emerging Player of the Year, 6 foot 6, throwback to the old West Indian fast bowlers. Can be the enforcer in the middle overs. Needs to keep his economy in check though.

31. Kesrick Williams 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 26, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/28, Economy: 8.76
  • T20s: 100, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.70
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
  • One of the most known celebrations in the game due to his notebook checklist, he has been in and out of the national side. Skiddy bowler, could be a handful in UAE conditions if selected.

32. Romario Shepherd 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/37, Economy: 10.27
  • T20s: 27, Wickets: 25, Best: 4/13, Economy: 8.42
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Hasn’t been among the wickets recently (0/38, 0/37, 0/30) but is on the fringes. Selectors have him in mind so far, but CPL will define if he makes it to the UAE.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas
  • Out of Team: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kesrick Williams

Spinners

33. Hayden Walsh Jr. 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 26, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/23, Economy: 7.59
  • T20s: 47, Wickets: 52, Best: 5/19, Economy: 7.85
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Barbados Royals
  • Ex-USA international (born in U.S. Virgin Islands) with Antiguan father & uncle, who both competed at the first class level. In-and-out recently, his Player of the Series performance against Australia should safely put him in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

34. Akeal Hosein 🟨

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 0, Economy: 9.75
  • T20s: 46, Wickets: 23, Best: 3/14, Economy: 6.87
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: August 2, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight riders
  • 0 wickets in 6 T20I games is a concern, but he has impressed in spells. With a left-arm spinner already with Fabian Allen, it is unlikely he will get many games unless it is a ranker turner.

35. Kevin Sinclair 🟨

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 6, Wickets: 4, Best: 2/23, Economy: 8.33
  • T20s: 11, Wickets: 9, Best: 2/13, Economy: 6.59
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: June 28, 2021
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
  • Will be a direct competition between Kevin Sinclair, Khary Pierre, and Akeal Hosein for the second spinner with Walsh Jr. CPL is of high importance for the three of them.

36. Khary Pierre 🟧

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Other Roles: Can bat a bit
  • T20s: 10, Wickets: 7, Best: 2/44, Economy: 9.60
  • T20s: 45, Wickets: 41, Best: 3/18, Economy: 7.31
  • Last Played T20I For West Indies: January 17 2020
  • Will he play the IPL? No.
  • CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
  • Currently out of the reckoning for a year and a half, but anything is possible with two months to go. Spin is not West Indies’ core strength, so they might take backup.
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West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Kevin Sinclair
  • Out of Team: Khary Pierre

Notable Exclusions

37-42. Ashley Nurse, Joshua de Silva, Chemar Holder, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

Here is the moment of truth. Based on our player-by-player analysis above, here is Broken Cricket Dreams’ Predicted XI and West Indies T20 World Cup squad.

West Indies now have a good mix of youth & experience. Along with the legends (Gayle, Pollard, Russell, Bravo), there is the next batch of players (Lewis, Pooran, Allen) and the 2016 U-19 World Cup generation (Hetmyer, Joseph, McCoy, Paul).

  1. Evin Lewis
  2. Lendl Simmons
  3. Chris Gayle
  4. Shimron Hetmyer
  5. Nicholas Pooran (WK)
  6. Kieron Pollard (C)
  7. Andre Russell
  8. Fabian Allen
  9. Dwayne Bravo
  10. Hayden Walsh Jr.
  11. Obed McCoy

Squad: 12. Jason Holder, 13. Sunil Narine*, 14. Andre Fletcher, 15. Fidel Edwards, 16. Sheldon Cottrell, 17. Akeal Hosein, 18. Kevin Sinclair, 19. Oshane Thomas, 20. Rovman Powell/Keemo Paul, 21. Alzarri Joseph/Romario Shepherd, 22. Roston Chase/Darren Bravo, 23. Brandon King/Sherfane Rutherford

*if fit and eligible to play

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PBKS Vs SRH IPL 2021 Match 14 Review: Hyderabad Takes Points As Punjab Fold

PBKS Vs SRH– IPL 2021 Match #14 Quick Review! SRH are finally on the points table, while PBKS continue to disappoint. Khaleel-Rashid-Warner-Bairstow help SRH to first win.

Match Details, Scorecard, & Video Highlights

Scorecard: PBKS Vs SRH Video Highlights

Toss: PBKS won the toss and chose to bat first.

Venue: MA Chidambram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Umpires: Krishnamachari Srinivasan & Nitin Menon

What Actually Happened

  • Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 9 wickets
  • Scores: PBKS 120/10SRH 121/1
  • Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow
  • Best Figures
    • Khaleel Ahmed – 3/21
    • Fabian Allen – 1/22
  • Most Runs
    • Shahrukh Khan – 22 (17)
    • Jonny Bairstow – 63 (56)

Moments of The Day:

The IPL is full of surprises and memorable moments. Here are my moments of today:

  • Kane Williamson provides the balance – SRH always had the players but not the balance. Williamson’s calm 16 (19) made sure SRH cross the line. At the same spot in earlier games, Warner or Bairstow’s dismissal would cause a collapse. I like the look of this lineup—Warner-Bairstow-Williamson at the top followed by Kedar Jadhav-Vijay Shankar-Abhishek Sharma.
  • Jonny Bairstow is a star. Definitely one of the modern ODI greats, he has started IPL 2021 with scores of 55, 12, 43, and 63*. This knock would please Bairstow since he finished the game himself. A ton coming soon?
  • Khaleel Ahmed is back. In 2018-19, Khaleel was India’s pace spearhead. By late 2020, he had even dropped off from SRH’s pecking order. Natarajan’s injury is a concern, but the blessing in disguise is the return of Khaleel. Figures of 3/21 today.

Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Pooran’s Poor Form Persists

Run out without facing a ball has to be the worst broken dream for a batsman. Pooran was on the receiving day today.

  • Poor Pooran0(1), 0(2), 0(0) – run (out). Shall I say anymore? With 9 as his highest score and Chris Gayle not doing too hot either, it is safe to say that, Dawid Malan, world’s #1 T20I batsman, needs to be back.
  • Why bench Ravi Bishnoi, one of the breakout stars of IPL 2020? Punjab Kings did well to take the game to the 19th over, but the bowling lineup does not aspire too much confidence. Why not play both Murugan Ashwin & Ravi Bishnoi?

IPL 2021 Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap Leaders

No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Orange Cap, & Purple Cap. We will keep updating it in every article!

  • Shikhar Dhawan 231 runs (DC, 4 matches)
  • Harshal Patel – 12 wickets (RCB, 4 matches)
TeamsPlayedWonLostTied
No-Result
PointsNet Run Rate
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore44008+ 1.009
2. Chennai Super Kings43106+1.142
3. Delhi Capitals43106+0.426
4. Mumbai Indians42204+0.187
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad 41302-0.228
6. Kolkata Knight Riders41302-0.7
7. Punjab Kings41302-0.824
8. Rajasthan Royals41302-1.011
IPL 2021 Points Table
  1. Chennai Super Kings – CSK Preview
  2. Delhi Capitals – DC Preview
  3. Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Preview
  4. Mumbai Indians – MI Preview
  5. Punjab Kings – PBKS Preview
  6. Rajasthan Royals – RR Preview
  7. Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB Preview
  8. Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH Preview

Copyright (2021: 4/12/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Home » Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran, A Story of Pain, Hope, & Inspiration: The Next Big Thing of West Indies & World Cricket

Author Matshona Dhliwayo once remarked, “Our most beautiful dreams are born from our most unpleasant nightmares.”

Nicholas Pooran is a living embodiment of this statement.

Precocious talent & gifted with immense power. Maturity beyond his years. With a simple, honest, & grateful demeanor. Only that an unpleasant nightmare would change his life forever.

Here is the story of Nicholas Pooran—the next big thing in world cricket. This is a tale of unimaginable pain, hope in the time of uncertainty, & inspiration for all.

Also Read: Favorite Players From Each Country, Young West Indies rises in Bangladesh, List of The Most Stylish Batters, Top 21 Greatest West Indies Fast Bowlers, Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time: The Complete List (2023)

The Stats

Batting

ODIs: 25 matches, 932 runs, best of 118, average 49.05, 1-100/7-50s

T20s: 163 matches, 3122 runs, best of 100*, average 24.97, 144.60 SR, 1-100/16-50s, 206-4s/215-6s

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The Beginning

Nicholas Pooran announced himself to the cricketing world in the 2014 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Top scored for the West Indies and fourth highest overall in the tournament—303 runs at 60.60 with a strike rate of 99.34 with 1 century and 2 fifties.

Quarter Final time. West Indies Vs Australia. The West Indies are struggling at 7-3. In comes Nicholas Pooran. Nudges it around and brings up a calm fifty from 75 balls. Wickets keep falling at the other end. The Windies are now 85-8.

Then came the onslaught (Watch this). Straight sixes galore. Flicked six. Sixes over cow corner. Breathtaking stuff.

West Indies end with a score of 208. Nicholas Pooran top scores 143 off 160 balls, last man out. Next highest? 20 runs by the #10. The scorecard read: 1, 4, 10, 0, 143, 7, 1, 1, 1, 20, 0*.

With that knock, he came into national spotlight as a future wicketkeeper after Denesh Ramdin. A debut first class & CPL season with Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel would follow. At age 17, he hit 54 (24) including an inside-out six and reverse sweep to Sunil Narine. The 2014 Sunil Narine that is.

But barely into his cricketing career, little did he know that his world was about to turn upside down.

The Accident

On January 6, 2015, news broke through that Pooran had been injured in a horrific car accident. He suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon and fractured right ankle.

As Pooran recalls in his interview to Peter Della Penna, the first question he asked the doctors was, “if I could play cricket again”?

Two surgeries, several months on wheelchair, endless therapy & rehab sessions later, Pooran finally started to walk again after six months. A couple of months later, he would start jogging. 18 months from the incident, a CPL game with Barbados Trident.

Two and a half years later—a West Indian jersey.

During these tough times, he found a support system comprising of his parents, Dr. Oba Gulston (physiotherapist in CPL teams), Kelvin Williams (assistant coach in T&T), coach Phil Simmons, and mentor & future captain, Kieron Pollard. Pooran credits Pollard’s constant encouragement, communication, & support that got him through.

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The Comeback

It was Pollard’s faith in Pooran & his talent, that he vouched for his selection in the CPL with his team, Barbados Trident. And boy did he repay his faith.

July 17, 2016. St. Lucia Zouks Vs Barbados Tridents.

Pooran outclassed a batting order comprising of Shoaib Malik, the 2016 version of AB De Villiers, and Kieron Pollard. In a 49 run partnership with Pollard, Pollard scored only 6. Dominating comeback performance. Watch his blistering knock of 81 (39). 558 days later, Nicholas Pooran was back.

As he said in his post-match interview, “I am back. I am back stronger.”

Pooran Makes a Mark At the 2019 Cricket World Cup

The lower you fall, the higher you’ll fly.

After the comeback, the only direction Pooran could go was up. He would make his T20I debut later that year in September 2016. International recognition would come in the 2018 & 2019 T20I series against India.

The moment when I realized he was the next big thing in world cricket was the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Whenever Pooran came to the crease, I knew something was bound to happen. Some of his knocks included:

34 (19) Vs Pakistan, 40 (36) Vs Australia, 63 (78) Vs West Indies, 118 (103) Vs Sri Lanka, & 58 (43) Vs Afghanistan.

His maiden international century against Sri Lanka was especially something else. In a chase of 339, West Indies struggle at 145-5. He pulls & heaves. Knocks the ball around. Brilliant partnership with Fabian Allen gets them close until Allen’s unfortunate run-out. Yet, until Pooran was at the crease, anything could have happened.

31 needed of 18, and West Indies are still in the game. Only for a hobbling Angelo Mathews to get Pooran off a wide one against all odds. End of the dream.

The West Indies did not make it to the semi-finals, but Pooran established his presence with that knock. The ability to combine composure & power is what makes him extremely dangerous. The sweet sound off his bat is second to none. And the question comes again, why isn’t he selected for Test cricket again?

What Is He Doing Now?

His stocks continued to rise with leagues around the world. Recently, Pooran’s performance in the IPL with the KXIP was outstanding, including the best fielding effort you will ever see. With the bat, 353 runs at 170 was not too bad either.

When he is not winning matches in the West Indies, CPL, or in an IPL jerseys, he can be seen hitting sixes for fun in the Big Bash or the T10 leagues among others.

He is now the vice-captain in the T20I squad (as of the Sri Lanka series. Yes the one in which Kieron Pollard hit 6 sixes).

What Can We Learn From Nicholas Pooran?

Although just 25, we can learn so many from Pooran already. He does not like to dwell on the incident, and instead look on the bright side and stay in the present. Let us do exactly that and see how we can apply the inspirational lessons in our lives. Here is Pooran in his own words.

Pooran In His Own Words: The Life Lessons

“If I can come back from it, anyone can come back from anything.”

When life pushes you down, you always have two optionsto view the glass as half empty or half-full. It is a matter of perspective. Optimism and keeping the hope alive will allow you to get through the tough times.

“I believe everything happens for a reason…blessing in disguise.”

Everyone has childhood dreams, whether that is to become a sports player, an artist, a world renowned scientist, but sometimes life works out differently. Instead of dwelling on the disappointments, we should be grateful what we actually have. Be thankful for your family, your health, and the fact you were given the opportunity to explore other ventures & improve upon yourself.

“I really doubted it but never give up on my dreams.”

Even the most positive individual can go in the depths of self-doubt. That is okay, it is just natural. Just keep working on it little by little by little, day by day. Who knows, your dream might come true and if it did not, you know you gave it an honest try. No regrets.

“Every single opportunity you get, you have to grab it.”

Do not wait to change to come. Find opportunities, and if you get a chance, give it your ALL. Put your entire soul & energy into it. Sometimes you will get multiple chances, while other times, you may only get one. Make it count.

Finally Pooran ends it perfectly with, “I appreciate the life that I have and the talent I have. I was blessed.”

Count your blessings. Gratefulness, Endurance, Persistence, Resilience, and Grace—that is what Pooran teaches us.

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Copyright (2021: 3/6/2021)– @Nitesh Mathur, aka Nit-X – bcd@brokokencricketdreams.com

Sources: Cricinfo, PSL Interview with Pooran, Interview with Peter Della Penna, Jarrod Kimber’s T20 Pooran Stats, GoodReads

Image Courtesy: Trinidad & Tobago: Photo by Erick Todd from Pexels, Getty Images