Vitel Lawes arrived at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with ambition. He departed as one of its most celebrated performers.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally applauded the 18-year-old left-arm spinner following his selection to the prestigious Team of the Tournament, the only West Indian named in the 12-member squad. The recognition caps a campaign defined by impact, resilience, and consistency.
Across five matches, Lawes collected 10 wickets at an average of 22, repeatedly delivering breakthroughs at critical junctures.
Delivering on the big stage
In a competition that often exposes youth and inexperience, Lawes distinguished himself with control and tactical maturity. His ability to strike at key moments against strong opposition elevated him into elite company among the tournament’s best performers.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe underscored both the individual accomplishment and what it represents for the wider region.
“Vitel’s selection to the ICC Under-19 World Cup Team of the Tournament is richly deserved and reflects both his individual quality and his growth as a cricketer,” Bascombe said.
“Throughout the tournament, he showed maturity beyond his years, tremendous skill, and an excellent understanding of his role. All culminating in the ability to strike at important times against quality opposition.”
For Bascombe, Lawes’ success extends beyond personal accolades. It signals strength within the regional development system.
“Performances like these underline the value of our youth-development pathways and give us great confidence in the next generation of West Indies players.”
A journey through doubt
For Lawes, the honor carries deeper meaning because of the road he traveled to earn it.
His recent past included uncertainty. During last year’s series against Sri Lanka, he managed only a single wicket, a stretch that prompted internal reflection and concern about his World Cup prospects.
“Being named in the Team of the Tournament is a very big achievement for me. In the Sri Lanka series last year, I only took one wicket, and at one point I was questioning if I was going to make the World Cup team,” Lawes admitted.
What followed was transformation — preparation sharpened by self-belief and resolve.
“To come from such a low moment, this is a tremendous feeling, and to be the only West Indian makes it even more special for me, the region, and my country. I feel like I represented my region and country very well in the circumstances.”
A tournament to remember
Lawes describes the tournament itself as nothing short of extraordinary.
“It was an excellent tournament for me. Besides the team lifting the trophy, I couldn’t ask for anything better in a World Cup. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before the tournament, I promised myself that I would give it 110 per cent every game, and I think I did that as best as I could,” he said.
That promise, to give everything, every match, translated into sustained impact across five appearances.
A beacon for the next generation
Lawes’ inclusion in the Team of the Tournament stands as both validation and inspiration: validation of his perseverance and talent, and inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the Caribbean.
As CWI celebrates his achievement, the message is unmistakable. The region’s future is emerging, disciplined, determined, and ready to compete with the world’s best.
And in Vitel Lawes, that future has already begun to announce itself.
