Matthew Forde

Matthew Forde is a promising Barbadian all-rounder who has quickly made his mark as a potent right-arm medium-fast bowler and an aggressive lower-order batter in West Indies cricket. Born on April 29, 2002, he first gained recognition through his impactful performances in regional and franchise cricket, including stints in the CPL and Major League Cricket. Since his international debut in December 2023 against England, he has proven himself a versatile asset, often bowling in the powerplay and death overs while contributing crucial quick runs from the number 7 or 8 position. His ability to swing the ball and maintain composure during high-pressure phases of an innings has made him a vital part of the West Indies' pace battery.

In the context of the 2026 cricket season, Forde has been named in the 15-member West Indies squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning July 11, 2026. After featuring in the T20I series following a period of injury rehabilitation, his inclusion in the ODI setup is seen as a key strategic move to bolster the pace attack alongside teammates like Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd. With the team focusing on long-term preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Forde’s role in this series will be critical, as selectors look for him to provide consistent wicket-taking threat and depth in the lower-order batting lineup.