Matthew Forde Stars in West Indies Championship 2025 with All-Round Brilliance

Matthew Forde: The New All-Round Beacon of West Indies Championship 2025

Summary
Barbadian all-rounder Matthew Forde made waves in the 2025 West Indies Championship, balancing bat and ball with remarkable maturity in his debut season. With 396 runs and 17 wickets, Forde’s performances reflect a growing force in Caribbean cricket.

Matthew Forde's Emerging Brilliance in the West Indies Championship 2025

It’s not often that a cricketer makes an impact so swiftly in the demanding format of first-class cricket. But Matthew Forde, the 22-year-old all-rounder from Barbados, did just that in the West Indies Championship 2025, playing with composure and flair that belied his limited red-ball experience. The tournament may have ended with Barbados Pride finishing second to the Guyana Harpy Eagles, but Forde’s rise was undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories of the season.

Already known for his white-ball skills, particularly in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the West Indies Under-19 setup, Forde took this year's red-ball competition as an opportunity to showcase another dimension to his cricketing potential. His ability to consistently contribute with both bat and ball adds depth and dynamism to any side he’s part of a quality that has long been prized in West Indies cricket.

A Dream Debut and a Season of Substance

Forde’s entrance into the West Indies Championship could hardly have been scripted better. Playing against the defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Providence Stadium, he notched a crucial 82 with the bat and followed it with a five-wicket haul, announcing himself as a genuine all-round asset in first-class cricket. This dual performance, against a formidable opponent no less, set the tone for what would be a breakout season.

It was never about flashy statistics alone although they were impressive. Forde ended the tournament with 396 runs at an average of 39.60, mostly batting at number seven, and he added 17 wickets to his tally with disciplined medium pace. What stood out was not just the quantity of his contributions, but the timing. His unbeaten 66 in a crunch chase against the Windward Islands under pressure was a knock that defined character and resilience. And if fans needed a signature moment, his maiden first-class century against the Leeward Islands at Warner Park provided the perfect exclamation mark. That hundred didn’t just seal a win it sealed his place as one of the Championship’s players to remember.

More Than Just Numbers

For Forde, cricket isn’t simply about stats it’s about seizing the moment. “I told myself I wanted to create moments whenever the captain called on me,” he said, reflecting on his mindset throughout the season. This isn't just athlete speak; it’s the hallmark of players who understand that greatness in cricket often lies in timing, not just technique.

His fitness-first approach has clearly paid dividends. Forde’s commitment to conditioning, including regular swimming and strength work, has helped him stay consistent across formats. Training at UWI Cave Hill and sessions at the Batting Lab in Barbados have given him the technical refinement to pair with his natural flair. This foundation allowed him to maintain energy in long spells and still finish games with bat in hand a trait that red-ball cricket demands more than any other.

A Passion That Transcends Formats

While the T20 revolution has seen many Caribbean players lean heavily into white-ball cricket, Forde is among a refreshing new breed who still see Test cricket as the ultimate goal. “I love cricket red-ball, white-ball, pink-ball. I want to play them all,” he stated with conviction. “Test cricket is the biggest challenge, and I like challenges.”

It’s a sentiment that echoes loudly in a region desperate for a revival of its once-glorious Test reputation. The West Indies have long been on the lookout for multi-dimensional players who can not only plug gaps but elevate the team across all three formats. With Jason Holder’s red-ball role becoming more selective, Forde could well become that next generational link.

Building the West Indies’ Next Core

As the 2025 Championship wrapped up, selectors and fans alike took notice of not just Forde’s numbers, but his temperament. At 22, he already demonstrates the kind of maturity that often takes years to develop. His ability to handle pressure evident in both batting with the tail and bowling in crunch moments is exactly what the West Indies have been seeking in their push for stability and competitive grit.

His performances also signal the growing strength of Barbados Pride as a breeding ground for Test-level talent. With the Harpy Eagles maintaining their dominant grip on the title by a narrow 5.4-point margin, the Pride's push, powered in part by Forde’s consistency, reminded the region that cricket in the Caribbean still thrives on rivalries that bring out the best in players.

What’s Next for Matthew Forde?

Having successfully transitioned from age-group cricket to domestic dominance, the next step for Forde is clear international consistency. His white-ball potential is already being tapped, but sustained performances in the longer format could make his dream of donning the West Indies Test cap a permanent reality.

For now, he continues to train, hone his skills, and wait for the call-up that seems not just likely but inevitable. “If given the opportunity, I will be happy to represent the West Indies at any level,” Forde reaffirmed. Judging by his 2025 campaign, that opportunity might be just around the corner.