Akeal Jerome Hosein, born on 25th April 1993, is a talented Trinidadian cricketer who has made a name for himself in the world of cricket, representing Trinidad and Tobago in domestic cricket and the Trinbago Knight Riders in the highly competitive Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Early Beginnings and Under-19 World Cup
Hailing from Port of Spain, Akeal Hosein showcased his cricketing prowess early on, representing the West Indies under-19 team at the 2012 Under-19 World Cup in Australia. It was here that his skills and potential as a cricketer came to the fore.
Domestic Success
Hosein’s journey in first-class cricket began during the 2012–13 Regional Four Day Competition when he donned the Trinidad and Tobago jersey against Jamaica. However, it was during the following season that he truly made his mark. In consecutive matches, he put up outstanding performances, earning him the title of ‘Man of the Match’ in both games. Against the Windward Islands, he took a remarkable 6/33, followed by a stunning 5/34 against the Leeward Islands. Not content with just his bowling prowess, Hosein also displayed his batting skills by scoring a maiden first-class century, amassing an impressive 102 not out.
CPL and T20 Career
Akeal Hosein’s abilities were soon recognized in the T20 format, leading to him signing with the Barbados Tridents for the 2014 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). This marked his entry into the world of franchise T20 cricket, where he had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business.
His participation extended to the 2014 Champions League Twenty20 and subsequent appearances in the 2015 CPL tournaments, solidifying his reputation as a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.
Continued Success and IPL Stint
In November 2019, Hosein’s impressive performances earned him a spot in Trinidad and Tobago’s squad for the 2019–20 Regional Super50 tournament, further showcasing his prowess in limited-overs cricket.
The pinnacle of Hosein’s T20 career came when he was named in the Trinbago Knight Riders’ squad for the 2020 Caribbean Premier League. This marked a significant step in his career, as he joined a franchise known for its dominance in the CPL.
His skills did not go unnoticed on the global stage, and on 23rd December 2022, Akeal Hosein was acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2023, providing him with an exciting opportunity to shine in one of the most prestigious T20 leagues in the world.
International Recognition
Akeal Hosein’s remarkable journey extended to the international arena when he was named in the West Indies’ One Day International (ODI) squad in December 2020 for their series against Bangladesh. This marked his ODI debut for the West Indies on 20th January 2021, and he continued to impress with his performances.
In February 2021, he earned a spot in the West Indies’ Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Sri Lanka, showcasing his adaptability and versatility in different formats of the game.
His consistent performances did not go unnoticed by the cricketing authorities. In May 2021, Akeal Hosein was awarded a white-ball central contract by Cricket West Indies for the 2020–21 season, highlighting his importance in limited-overs cricket.
His journey in T20 internationals began on 3rd July 2021, when he made his T20I debut for the West Indies against South Africa, marking the start of a promising international T20 career.
In September 2021, Akeal Hosein’s name featured as one of the four reserve players in the West Indies’ squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his growing stature in T20 cricket.
Akeal Hosein’s remarkable rise continued when he was added to the West Indies’ 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad in October 2021, replacing Fabian Allen, who was ruled out due to an ankle injury. This opportunity allowed Hosein to represent his country on the global stage and contribute to the West Indies’ T20 World Cup campaign.
With a bright future ahead and a burgeoning reputation as a versatile cricketer, Akeal Jerome Hosein is poised to make significant strides in the world of cricket, both in domestic leagues and on the international stage. Cricket enthusiasts can expect to witness more exceptional performances from this Trinidadian sensation in the years to come.
