Keacy Uydess Carty, born on 19th March 1997, is a cricket sensation hailing from Sint Maarten. He has made a mark in West Indian domestic cricket and is celebrated for his remarkable journey to becoming an international cricketer.
Early Life and Beginnings
Keacy Carty’s cricketing journey began on the picturesque island of Sint Maarten. Born to an Anguillan immigrant father, he was exposed to the sport at a young age. His talent soon caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts on the island.
Under-19 Success
At the tender age of 16, Carty made his debut for the Leeward Islands under-19 team in 2013. His early performances showcased his potential as a budding cricketer. His breakthrough came at the 2014–15 Regional Super50, where he made his debut for the West Indies under-19s. These matches held List A status, and Carty’s participation was a significant milestone for Sint Maarten cricket.
Historic Triumph at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup
Keacy Carty etched his name in cricketing history when he was named in the West Indies squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in December 2015. The tournament began in January 2016, and Carty played a pivotal role in guiding his team to victory in the final against India. His composed innings of 52 not out from 125 balls played a crucial part in the West Indies’ five-wicket victory. For this outstanding performance, he was rightfully named the player of the final. Upon his return to Sint Maarten, Carty received a hero’s welcome, greeted by the country’s prime minister and governor.
Senior Debut and First-Class Success
Keacy Carty’s transition to senior cricket was seamless. He made his debut for the Leeward Islands in February 2016, in the 2015–16 Regional Four Day Competition. Opening the batting, he displayed his prowess by scoring a maiden first-class half-century, accumulating 59 runs from 115 balls.
Carty continued to make strides in List A cricket, and on 10th February 2021, during the 2020–21 Super50 Cup tournament, he achieved a significant milestone by scoring his first century in List A cricket. His unbeaten 123 runs showcased his maturity and skill as a batsman.
International Debut and Historic Achievement
In May 2022, Keacy Carty’s dream of representing the West Indies at the international level became a reality. He was named in the West Indies One Day International (ODI) squads for their series against the Netherlands and Pakistan. This selection made him the first-ever player from Sint Maarten to represent the West Indies.
Carty marked his ODI debut on 31st May 2022, playing for the West Indies against the Netherlands. It was a momentous occasion not only for him but also for cricket enthusiasts in Sint Maarten who celebrated this historic achievement.
T20 Debut and Beyond
Keacy Carty’s journey continued in the shortest format of the game when he made his Twenty20 debut on 21st September 2022, playing for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the 2022 Caribbean Premier League. As he adapts to different formats of the game, Carty’s future in international cricket looks promising.
Keacy Uydess Carty’s rise from a cricket-loving kid in Sint Maarten to an international cricketer serves as an inspiration for aspiring talents not only on the island but also across the West Indies. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have paved the way for an exciting cricketing journey that holds great promise.
