“He’s been so amazing in my career” – Shamar Joseph discusses President Ali’s role in his success
Over the past 48 hours, the name Shamar Joseph and his heroics in Brisbane have overtaken headlines around the world.
The 24-year-old Guyanese fast bowler, while nursing a toe injury, pulled off a stunner at The Gabba in Australia on Sunday, to lift West Indies to their first Test win Down Under in 27 years.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Shamar Joseph share a light moment during a brunch at State House during last year’s CPL season
Shamar’s story of leaving his job as a security guard to pursue his passion for cricket a little under two years ago has also captivated the masses and it is only now — when the dust has settled somewhat, that the young bowling sensation has been able to share more about his journey and the people who got him to where he is now.
One such person is none other than Guyana’s Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali, who, Joseph related in a recent interview with Newsroom’s Akeem Greene, has played a major role in his progression over the past year.
As previously reported in a Guyana Times article back in 2023, Joseph got his big break being selected for the Guyana Harpy Eagles team for the 2023 Regional Four-Day Championships. Thereafter, Joseph got another call-up, this time for the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) team, as a replacement for an injured Keemo Paul in their 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) championship run.
Quizzed about the GAW call-up in particular, the right-arm quick related that it was a major opportunity, in which the President played a role.
Joseph and his family at State House during CPL 2023. In photo, President Ali greets Joseph’s partner, Trishana
“I think that’s a big opportunity for me. Dr Irfaan Ali, he’s the one that, you know, get me into that position. I think Prasana, the analyst for Guyana team, Rayon Griffith, all these men got me into this position and I want to shout out to them, especially Dr Irfaan Ali,” Joseph shared from his hotel room in Australia.
The fast bowler, who hails from Baracara, continued, “He’s been so amazing in my career, from CPL to Super50. You know, he’s been there supporting me, reaching out. I would have never thought that the President of Guyana would actually reach out to a local person, but he sees ability and success moving forward and he wanted to help; he did that for me and this is where I am today.”
“So, I just want to shout out this message for him: I really appreciate everything that you do for me, Doc; you know I appreciate it, with every moment. Tears come to my eyes knowing that I’m here in Australia and doing well. I know that must make you proud, very, very proud,” Joseph added in his heartfelt message to the President of Guyana.
The fast bowler is expected to return to the Land of Many Waters, this week, where he will get some recovery from his toe injury before heading to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he secured a spot on the Peshawar Zalmi team.
