Matthew Forde, the promising 21-year-old Barbadian cricketer, has set his sights on becoming the world’s best all-rounder while working on developing his batting skills.
Forde recently earned a spot in the West Indies white-ball squad, debuting in a series of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against England, which began at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground near St John’s, Antigua.
In an interview with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Media, Forde expressed his ambition to reach the pinnacle of all-round cricket and help West Indies cricket regain its top status. He stated, “My goal is to be the No. 1 all-rounder in the world and to put West Indies cricket back to where it needs to be – at the top.”
Emphasized the dedication of himself
Forde, a former West Indies Under-19 all-rounder, emphasized the dedication of himself and his fellow younger teammates to achieve their collective goals. They diligently work on fitness, mental preparation, and overall cricket knowledge to fulfil their aspirations.
While Forde has recorded two half-centuries in top-flight cricket, including the Lanka Premier League Twenty20 tournament and the West Indies Super50 tournament, he is eager to enhance his all-round abilities further.
The young cricketer also expressed excitement about reuniting with West Indies white-ball coach Daren Sammy, who played a pivotal role in his career. Sammy provided Forde with a significant opportunity to shine during the CPL T20 tournament last year when he played for the St Lucia Kings. Forde acknowledged Sammy’s trust and belief in his abilities, which allowed him to perform and build a strong rapport with the coach.
The lead West Indies selector
Desmond Haynes, the lead West Indies selector, justified Forde’s inclusion in the ODI squad, despite his modest performance of five wickets at an average of 31 during the CWI Academy’s Super50 Cup campaign. Haynes praised Forde as a “whole-hearted cricketer” and highlighted his potential as a key player for the future of West Indies cricket.
Matthew Forde considers his journey in the CPL as the foundation for his rise in the cricketing world and holds a special place in his heart for the St Lucia Kings, where he made his initial impact.
As he embarks on his international career, Forde remains driven to fulfill his aspirations and contribute to the resurgence of West Indies cricket on the global stage.
