Fourteen-year-old cricketer Shahid Shamsudeen has his eyes set on the prize; playing cricket for Guyana. His journey is different, as he played competitive cricket in Canada, and he represents the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club in Berbice.
Current Guyana Harpy Eagles captain, Matthew Nandu who also played cricket in Canada and Guyana, has certainly inspired young Shamsudeen.
The right-arm off-spinner who played in the big league in Canada, the Toronto District Cricket Association, said his main goal is to represent Guyana.
“I have many goals for myself in terms of a cricketing career, however, I am extremely grateful and blessed to have accomplished all that I have here in Guyana as well as back in Canada. As of right now my goal is to represent Guyana. Some long term goals for myself would be definitely to play in CPL and represent the West Indies,” the youngster said.
Shamsudeen, who played in the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 levels in Canada, also trains with the Caribbean Stars Cricket Club, a senior elite team. He also plays in the Scarborough cricket association which is the first division and elite level that features teams such as Kaietuer and Caribbean Stars CC.
“My time in Canada consists of playing cricket, training, going to school and hanging out with friends and family. A typical day during the cricket season includes going to the gym, training with my Grandpa (Wajid Alli, my brother (Raqib Shamsudeen and my Dad (Omar Shamsudeen) in the backyard or grounds/facilities for team practices.”
The teenager who has a best bowling figure of 5-5 in 5.1 overs against Kildonan in Berbice, finished his season with 44 wickets in Canada.
“In terms of batting , I am awaiting for an opportunity to showcase my batting talents and abilities to the fullest but I will keep working hard and staying consistent and one day my chances will come,” Shamsudeen said.
“I started playing cricket at a very young age (age 5) but started playing competitively only of last year.
“I made that decision by watching my brother and friends play every weekend and saw how fun it was and made me realize how much I loved the game.I always knew I had the ability to play at a high level and I had all the support in the world from my family and friends backing me to give cricket a fair chance.”
“My brother who has played cricket in Guyana and represented Canada Under-19 at the World Cup stage also played a big role in my cricketing ambitions as he inspired me seeing all he accomplished and him pushing me as well at a high level. My amazing family, they give me all the support in the world and have my back 100%,” the youngster highlighted.
Currently at Albion, Shamsudeen is under the guidance of former West Indies Test opener Sewnarine Chattergoon, where he is offering his knowledge to mold the youths. Shamsudeen is a beneficiary of that.