PLAYERS TO REMEMBER FROM WEST INDIES CHAMPIONSHIP - THE 2025 WRAP UP

The ability to impact a cricket match in all three facets of the game is a unique and vital asset to any team. In this capacity, Barbadian Matthew Forde is carving out a niche following a successful debut season in the West Indies Championship.

Forde represented the Barbados Pride, who finished as runners-up in the tournament, narrowly missing the title by 5.4 points to the reigning champions, the Guyana Harpy Eagles. Known for his white-ball exploits, Forde announced himself in the West Indies Championship with a vital 82 on debut against the champions before returning to claim a five-wicket haul at the Providence Stadium. Though Barbados fell short, Forde walked away with pride and growing confidence throughout the season.

The emerging all-rounder, who spent seven of his formative years between St Lucia and Barbados, returned to St Lucia to pull off a heist during his team’s chase against the Windward Islands. He struck a match-defining, unbeaten 66 to lift Barbados over the line in the penultimate round of matches.

The 22-year-old’s heroics led to an even more memorable moment a week later, as he struck a heartwarming and precious maiden century that propelled Barbados to a stunning comeback win against the Leeward Islands at Warner Park. Forde ended the season with 396 runs at an average of 39.60, batting at number seven. He was also impactful with the ball, finishing with 17 wickets with his medium pacers.

It was an impactful debut season for the emerging all-rounder, but it’s just the first spark of what he hopes will be a consistent run of performances.

“I just think for me, I watched the team in the Super50s, and they had something going where they found a way to win — and that’s one thing I admired. So being a member of the team, I told myself I wanted to create moments whenever the captain called on me, whether it was with bat or ball.”

Forde represented the West Indies Under-19s in 2020 and has since transitioned into the senior white-ball teams, but playing the longest version is still a strong desire.

“I love cricket — it doesn’t matter if it is red-ball cricket, white-ball cricket or pink-ball cricket — I love to play. It was always my dream to play for West Indies, and obviously, Test cricket being the ultimate format, it’s a challenge — but I like challenges,” Forde said. “So, for me, if given the opportunity, I will be happy to represent the West Indies at any level.”

There is no substitute for hard work, according to Forde, but being able to impact the game with bat, ball and in the field presents a unique combination and challenge.

“I try to pride myself on fitness. I’m always doing some backroom work to strengthen the body, as well as some swimming, which has helped me a lot over the past year,” Forde explained. “With bat and ball, I do extra work with the Batting Lab in Barbados and additional bowling work at UWI Cave Hill, which enables me to give 100 percent all the time.”

Still in the embryonic stages of his career, Matthew Forde is building a reputation as a reliable and potentially vital player for Barbados and the West Indies.

This article was written by Jerome Foster, Content and Media Officer assigned to the West Indies Men’s Senior Team. Foster was an award-winning sports journalist prior to joining Cricket West Indies.