Published: Dec 31, 2015, 05:39 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 31, 2015, 05:39 PM (IST)
Kieran Powell, West indies’ former opening batsman has revealed that he wants to make a transition from cricket to baseball. Powell is in Florida for training in IMG Academy. He will have to demonstrate his batting and fielding abilities in order to strengthen his case to be signed up by a franchise of Major League Baseball. Sydney Morning Herald quoted Powell speaking to Fairmax Media, “An opportunity came about after a few discrepancies with the West Indies cricket board I decided to take some time off from cricket and some footage of me playing cricket was seen by the LA Dodgers. I’ve had some training out here in the US for a few months” Read: Sangakkara, Jayawardene-owned event company apologises for chaos caused by ‘bra throwing’ incident in Enrique concert
“Baseball is my priority right now. Obviously cricket is my first love. It’s[Baseball is] really fun, it’s an interesting game, I’ve loved every minute of it so far, and I hope to continue doing it for the rest of my career. It’s a unique opportunity, it’s a once in a lifetime thing. This is what dreams are made of as I said earlier. I’m just so excited about it, like everyone’s so excited about it.”
According to Powell, West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) requires some revamp in the way it functions, “It’s [West Indies] such a proud and historical region, that’s produced some of the best players that the world’s ever seen, you have to strike an even balance. The West Indies board could do something in terms of the retainer contracts, because you can’t have guys losing on the home front and then trying to stop them from losing on the international front as well.”
Cricket is not as popular in West Indies today compared to a decade back. Other sports like soccer, baseball, athletics and netball have gained more footing in the last few years. Usain Bolt is one of the most sought-after sports-persons among the Caribbean youth today.
