Alick Athanaze (born 7 December 1998) – The Rising Star of Dominican Cricket
Cricket has long been a game that unites nations, and in the Caribbean, it’s more than just a sport—it’s a passion that defines culture and identity. Among the new generation of cricketers emerging from the Caribbean islands, one name is steadily capturing attention: Alick Athanaze. Born on 7 December 1998 in Dominica, Athanaze represents the new wave of West Indian talent—ambitious, skillful, and ready to make his mark on the global stage.
Early Life and Background
Alick Athanaze was born and raised in Dominica, a small but cricket-loving island in the Eastern Caribbean. From a young age, he displayed a natural flair for the game. Like many Caribbean youngsters, his cricket journey began on the streets and open fields, where he played with a taped tennis ball before transitioning into competitive cricket.
His raw talent soon became evident when he joined local cricket clubs and began representing Dominica at youth levels. Athanaze’s calm temperament and sharp cricketing intelligence distinguished him early from his peers. As he honed his skills, selectors took notice of his elegant left-handed batting style and ability to perform under pressure—qualities that would define his rise in professional cricket.
Journey Through Domestic Cricket
Athanaze’s formal cricketing career took off when he was selected to play for the Windward Islands, one of the regional teams in West Indies domestic cricket. Representing the Windward Islands in first-class and List A competitions gave him valuable exposure to seasoned cricketers across the Caribbean.
He made his first-class debut in the 2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition and quickly made an impression with consistent performances. His batting was marked by fluency through the off-side and strong stroke play down the ground. The young Dominican cricketer demonstrated an ability to build long innings—something rare among emerging players at the time.
As he continued to develop, Athanaze also contributed with the ball as a part-time off-spinner. Though primarily recognized for his batting, his versatility made him a valuable asset to the Windward Islands team.
Breakthrough at the Under-19 World Cup
Alick Athanaze truly rose to prominence during the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. Representing the West Indies Under-19 team, he became one of the standout players of the tournament.
In that event, Athanaze scored two centuries, a rare achievement that immediately placed him among the top young prospects in world cricket. His aggressive yet controlled batting drew comparisons to some of the greats of West Indian cricket, including Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer for the West Indies, earning praise from cricket experts and former players for his technique, temperament, and leadership potential. The performances not only showcased his ability to perform on the world stage but also reinforced his commitment to carrying forward the proud legacy of Caribbean cricket.
Rise in Professional Cricket
Following his Under-19 heroics, Athanaze continued to impress in regional cricket. He represented the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the Super50 Cup and Regional Four Day Tournament, steadily improving his record with the bat.
His consistent domestic performances earned him opportunities in franchise-based cricket leagues. He was selected for teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he shared the dressing room with international stars. This experience played a crucial role in shaping his confidence and understanding of modern T20 cricket dynamics.
Athanaze’s adaptability across formats—Test, ODI, and T20—sets him apart. While he has the classical technique suited for longer formats, his aggressive approach and quick scoring make him equally effective in limited-overs cricket.
West Indies International Debut
The turning point in Alick Athanaze’s career came when he was called up to represent the West Indies national team. His Test debut marked the beginning of what many hope will be a long and successful international journey.
Athanaze made his mark early by showing composure and confidence against high-quality bowling attacks. His style of play—combining elegance with aggression—has brought a fresh energy to the West Indies batting lineup.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he continued to demonstrate his potential by scoring freely and rotating the strike effectively. His ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed makes him a valuable player for the West Indies’ rebuilding phase.
Playing Style and Strengths
Alick Athanaze is a left-handed batsman known for his elegant stroke play, timing, and consistency. He has a calm presence at the crease, which helps him handle pressure situations with maturity. His strengths include powerful drives through the covers, excellent footwork against spin, and an ability to read the game situation well.
In addition to his batting, Athanaze occasionally bowls right-arm off-breaks, providing an extra option to his captain. His athleticism in the field further adds value to his overall contribution on the team.
Inspiration and Role Model
Athanaze has often mentioned that he draws inspiration from greats like Brian Lara and Virat Kohli—two legends known for their passion and discipline. Like them, he believes in hard work, mental strength, and continuous improvement.
He also serves as an inspiration for young Dominican cricketers who aspire to represent the West Indies. His journey from the small island of Dominica to the international arena is a story of perseverance, discipline, and dreams coming true.
Future Prospects and Goals
As of now, Alick Athanaze stands as one of the brightest prospects in West Indies cricket. With the team in a rebuilding phase, players like him represent the future of Caribbean cricket. His goal is to establish himself as a regular in all three formats and contribute to bringing back the glory days of West Indies cricket.
Experts predict that with continued focus and consistency, Athanaze could become one of the leading batsmen in world cricket in the coming decade. His blend of youth, skill, and determination makes him a player to watch.
Conclusion
Alick Athanaze’s story is not just about cricket—it’s about belief, hard work, and the power of dreams. From his humble beginnings in Dominica to representing the West Indies on the international stage, he has shown what passion and persistence can achieve.
As he continues to evolve, Alick Athanaze stands as a symbol of hope for the next generation of Caribbean cricketers. His journey reminds us that no dream is too big, no island too small, and no obstacle too great when determination meets talent.
In the years to come, the world will undoubtedly hear much more about this remarkable young cricketer from Dominica—Alick Athanaze, the rising star of West Indies cricket.
