In a move that signals both reflection and renewal, Rahkeem Cornwall, the towering all-rounder from Antigua and Barbuda, has stepped down as captain of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes ahead of the upcoming CG United Super50 Cup in Trinidad.
The 31-year-old, who also leads the Antigua and Barbuda Master Blasters and represents Liberta Blackhawks in domestic cricket, announced his decision shortly after guiding his national team to second place in the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) Mixed Tournament, which concluded in St. Kitts on Saturday.
“I stepped down from captain after the last four days,” Cornwall revealed. “I think the team needs somebody else to take up the mantle, and I wish whosoever it is all the best. I will still be playing—I’m just enjoying my cricket-playing and not captaincy.”
Letting go to rediscover joy
While Cornwall has long been a central figure in the Hurricanes setup, he admitted that the demands of leadership had begun to weigh on his personal game. The decision, he said, was about reclaiming enjoyment and performance balance after several years of juggling responsibility with form.
“For the past couple of years captaining, and having to look out for other players and work on different things, it kind of overshadowed my performance,” he explained.
“I haven’t been scoring runs in recent months—not that I blame captaincy—but I think it’s time for me to go back to just enjoying my cricket again, without the responsibility of leadership.”
Cornwall emphasized that he remains committed to the team’s success and will continue to support his successor fully.
Building for the future
Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s recent campaign, Cornwall said his primary goal had not been lifting the title but ensuring that promising young players gained exposure and impressed the Leeward Islands selectors.
“I prefer eight players in the Leeward Islands team rather than a championship,” he said. “Because the tournament was so short, not everyone could play the same number of games, but whoever got the opportunity really put up their hands.”
He highlighted several standout performances from the St. Kitts leg of the competition, including that of T-Willy, who produced a strong batting display, and Michael Greaves, who made a promising debut before being rotated to allow others a chance.
“The way the guys stood up and batted was really good. We scored over 500 runs in the two tour games, and I think the future looks bright,” Cornwall said with pride.
New leadership for the Hurricanes
Reports indicate that West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will assume the captaincy of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes for the CWI CG United Super50 Cup, beginning November 19 in Trinidad.
The Hurricanes’ 15-man squad features a strong Antiguan presence, with eight players from Antigua and Barbuda earning selection—a testament to the island’s enduring production line of regional cricketing talent.
For Cornwall, stepping aside does not signal retreat but rather a recalibration of purpose. As the Hurricanes enter a new era under Joseph’s leadership, the veteran all-rounder’s experience and influence—unburdened by captaincy—could yet prove vital to the team’s campaign.
