Akeal Hosein is at the top of his game.
The 31-year-old spinner bagged four wickets with a series-best economy rate of 5.27, helping the West Indies complete a 3-0 sweep of South Africa, in their T20 International series match last week.
The effort moved the T&T bowler up four points, solidifying his second-place position in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 bowling rankings.
Earlier this year, during the T20 World Cup held in the Caribbean and US, Hosein claimed nine wickets. Though the West Indies narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, his contribution was undeniable.
Even if you’re not a sports fan or don’t follow cricket, the significance of Hosein’s achievements shines through – especially for a boy who was born on the “wrong” side of the East Dry River.
“I grew up in Canada, Laventille. There was and still is a bad stigma attached to the area, (and you) once people know that’s the area you’re from,” Hosein said.
The side-eyes and turned-up noses never deterred young Hosein from chasing his dreams.
“If anything, it only fuelled me in such a way to prove that there’s a lot of good people in Laventille. There’s good, smart, kind, highly skilled and talented people who live there as well,” Hosein continued.
World-class sports and music personalities emerging from impoverished areas show the youth are still hungry to represent a nation that often dismisses and forgets them.
“It means everything to represent my country and the Caribbean,” Hosein confirmed, “I started playing at the age of seven and always watched and dreamed of playing for West Indies. I was always glued to the TV once they were playing.”
Getting a leg up
A helping hand can make all the difference between the rise of a superstar and wasted talent, said Hosein.
“Sometimes people just need a helping hand, or maybe just a bit of light to shine on the community to continue to give them hope and self-belief that they can become better. Instead of being ignored most times by the rest of the country,” he lamented.
Hosein was fortunate to have mentors like former West Indies players Bryan Davis and Kieron Pollard guiding him along the way. A Fatima College graduate, he credits both men for his meteoric rise in the sport.
“Bryan Davis kept telling me I should be in the Trinidad senior team by now, when I was 16. I started saying, yes, I really need to push myself and believe more,” he recalled.
However, it was Paul “Pops” Clarke who first brought the seven-year-old Hosein to Queen’s Park Crick Club (QPCC) at the Queen’s Park Oval.
“QPCC became my home away from home. It moulded and shaped me and instilled the various disciplines in me to go forward and become the cricketer that I dreamed to become.”
It was there that Pollard, then West Indies captain and a QPCC player, took Hosein under his wings.
“The big man himself Kieron Pollard took charge of mentorship and became a father figure from Under-19 level to this very date. He has been in my corner ever since. He’s been there both on and off the cricket field for me. Words can’t express how grateful I am to have someone like him,” Hosein shared.
Life at the top
Getting to the top of the mountain is one thing – staying there is another challenge altogether.
“It’s lonely when you start to separate yourself from the rest. Your work never stops and now the challenge gets much harder.”
Hosein says he stays motivated by reminding himself of the hungry and determined players out there.
“I tell myself you’re here, you’re talented and performing highly, but desperation beats talent every time. While you’re at the top and want to relax, there are hundreds of other players desperate for your spot and would stop at nothing to get where you are,” he mused.
But, Hosein welcomes the competition, advising those young cricketers hot on his trail to “train insane or remain the same”.
“Always be a student of your craft and keep finding ways to improve and become better. The game is always evolving.” For those who have never picked up a bat or ball but still crave greatness, Hosein’s advice is simple: dream big.
“If you believe in something, go for it. It’s never too late. Don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise about what you truly believe in. Too many times we allow others around us to say negative things or distract us from our goals. “Nothing worth having in life comes easy. Be ready for the challenges, see failures as an opportunities to learn and become better. Fully commit to your goals and dreams and to the discipline it takes to do so as well. In the end you’ll look back and appreciate everything and be proud of the person you’ve become,” he said.
As for his personal aspirations? Hosein plans to continue leading by example and aims for that coveted number one spot. He will start with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) this weekend.
“I want to be the best in my field. To be at the very top and look back and say to myself I made it. It was worth it. I also want to be remembered as someone who has been influential, helping others become better on their journey and helping them believe as well. To be a role model to the younger players,” he said.
On a deeper personal note, Hosein dreams of being a loving parent, much like his father, who gave “his all” for him.
“To become successful on and off the cricket field is the ultimate goal.”