Keemo Mandela Angus Paul, born on 21st February 1998, is a young and promising cricketer from Guyana who has made significant strides in West Indies cricket. Known for his exceptional talent and contributions, Keemo Paul has become a valuable asset for the West Indies cricket team.
A Remarkable Debut
Keemo Paul’s journey in international cricket began in 2018 when he made his debut for the West Indies cricket team. His rapid rise through the ranks showcased his immense potential, earning him a spot in the national side at a young age.
T20 Excellence
In August 2019, Cricket West Indies recognized Keemo Paul’s prowess in the T20 format by naming him the T20 Player of the Year. This award was a testament to his exceptional skills in the shortest format of the game, highlighting his ability to make a significant impact in crucial moments.
Domestic and T20 Prowess
Keemo Paul’s journey in cricket includes several noteworthy achievements in domestic and T20 cricket. He made his List A debut during the 2014–15 Regional Super50 tournament, signifying the beginning of his professional career.
In December 2015, he was selected to represent the West Indies in the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. During the tournament, he gained attention for his controversial mankading of a batsman in a crucial match against Zimbabwe. This strategic move contributed to the West Indies’ success in the tournament, ultimately winning them the championship. Paul’s all-round performance, with both bat and ball, showcased his potential on the global stage.
His first-class debut for Guyana in the 2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition marked the beginning of his journey in longer formats of the game. He further solidified his reputation as a versatile cricketer by making his Twenty20 debut for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League.
In October 2017, Keemo Paul achieved a significant milestone by scoring his maiden century in first-class cricket during a match against Jamaica in the 2017–18 Regional Four Day Competition. This century highlighted his batting prowess and versatility as a cricketer.
In June 2018, he received recognition as the Emerging Cricketer of the Year at the annual Cricket West Indies’ Awards, further validating his potential as a future star.
His impressive performances in domestic T20 leagues extended beyond the Caribbean, with appearances for teams like the Montreal Tigers franchise in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament. Additionally, he was part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the 2020 Caribbean Premier League, showcasing his consistency in T20 cricket.
International Recognition
Keemo Paul’s international career began to take shape in March 2018 when he was added to the West Indies squad for the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament. His One Day International (ODI) debut for the West Indies came during this tournament, highlighting his ability to perform on the global stage.
In March 2018, he was named in the West Indies squad for their Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan. His T20I debut for the West Indies followed soon after, cementing his place in the team’s T20 setup.
In July 2018, Keemo Paul received his maiden Test call-up for the West Indies for the series against Bangladesh. His Test debut marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility as an all-round cricketer.
In December 2018, during the third and final T20I against Bangladesh, Keemo Paul achieved a remarkable feat by taking his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, underscoring his potential as a match-winner.
A World Cup Contender
In recognition of his talent, Cricket West Indies (CWI) included Keemo Paul as one of the ten reserve players in the West Indies’ squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, highlighting his importance in the team’s plans for the future.
Keemo Mandela Angus Paul’s cricketing journey is marked by exceptional talent, versatility, and a promising future in West Indies cricket. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience on the international stage, he remains a cricketer to watch and a potential match-winner for the West Indies. His dedication and performances have already made him a rising star in the world of cricket.
