GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Quentin Sampson’s rise from regional standout to international selection has come faster than even he anticipated.
The 25-year-old Guyana all-rounder has admitted he was “shocked” to receive his first West Indies call-up, earning a place in the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan.
The series, to be contested in the United Arab Emirates, will double as a critical warm-up for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, placing Sampson immediately on the global stage.
A call that came sooner than expected
Sampson’s inclusion marks a significant milestone in a career that has gathered momentum through consistent domestic performances, particularly in last year’s Breakout League and the Caribbean Premier League.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Sampson described the moment as both unexpected and deeply fulfilling.
“I wasn’t really expecting the call so early to be honest, and it is an amazing feeling to get a West Indies call-up. It is something I always wanted, to be a part of and a team I always wanted to represent.”
For the young all-rounder, the selection represents validation of years of persistence and development.
Growth through discipline and patience
Beyond the excitement, Sampson highlighted the technical and mental improvements he has been working to refine, particularly as a batter.
“It is really an amazing feeling for me. One of the things I’ve been working on is my patience, how to construct an innings and how to deal with certain situation when it arrives while batting,” he said.
Those refinements, he believes, have helped prepare him for the demands of international cricket.
Learning from experience at the highest level
Sampson is also keenly aware of the opportunity that lies ahead, to learn from seasoned international players and absorb the nuances that separate good performers from consistent ones.
“God time is the right time, I will try to learn as much as possible that I can learn from the senior guys that have been around for a while, the small things that could help me out in the near future and improve my batting and bowling.”
As West Indies continue to assess options ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sampson’s surprise selection now offers him a chance not only to gain experience, but to stake an early claim for a long-term role in the regional side.
