Akeal Hosein

Akeal Hosein, born on April 25, 1993, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is a left-arm orthodox spinner and left-handed lower-order batter who has become a vital figure in West Indies cricket. After representing the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2012 World Cup, he made his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago in the 2012–13 season. His early domestic performances, including consecutive Man of the Match awards in 2013–14 and a maiden first-class century, showcased his potential. Hosein's international debut came in January 2021 in an ODI against Bangladesh, where he impressed with three wickets. He made his T20I debut later that year against South Africa and has since become a regular in the limited-overs formats. As of June 2024, he has played 38 ODIs, taking 57 wickets at an average of 29.59, and 67 T20Is, claiming 60 wickets at 26.98, including a standout 5/11 against Uganda in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Hosein's consistent performances have earned him spots in various T20 leagues worldwide. He has played for teams such as the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. Notably, in March 2024, he took a hat-trick for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, becoming only the sixth bowler to achieve this feat in the tournament's history. His ability to bowl economically, especially during powerplays, and his knack for taking crucial wickets have made him a sought-after player in franchise cricket.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Hosein's journey from the challenging neighborhood of Laventille to international cricket serves as an inspiration. Mentored by fellow Trinidadians Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, he has developed a unique bowling style, incorporating variations like the arm ball to outfox batters. In December 2024, he achieved the distinction of being ranked the world's number one T20I bowler, a testament to his dedication and skill. Hosein continues to be a cornerstone of the West Indies' white-ball setup, bringing both experience and flair to the team.