Alick Steven Athanaze
Alick Steven Athanaze is a Dominican cricketer born on 7 December 1998 in Marigot, a scenic village on the east coast of Dominica. Showing early promise, he represented the island in youth cricket before making a sensational impact at the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. There, Athanaze emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, compiling 418 runs across six matches, including a pair of centuries, a rare feat that made him only the second West Indian to score two centuries in a single U19 World Cup. His batting featured calm aggression, strong technique, and adaptability in diverse conditions, capturing the attention of cricketing circles throughout the Caribbean.
He made his List A debut for West Indies Under-19s in the 2016-17 Regional Super50, displaying his readiness to transition to senior-level cricket. A month later, in December 2018, he debuted in first-class cricket with the Windward Islands during the West Indies Championship, beginning a steady progression through regional ranks. Over subsequent seasons, Athanaze became a dependable middle-order batsman, combining solidity with occasional off-spin bowling.
International Debut, Leadership, and Ongoing Impact
Athanaze’s consistency paid off in 2022-23 West Indies Championship, where he scored an impressive 647 runs over 10 innings, confirming his status as one of the region’s most promising young talents. In February 2023, he received his maiden Test call-up to the West Indies squad, an extraordinary milestone both personally and for Dominica. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in June 2023 against the UAE, making an immediate mark by recording the fastest fifty by a West Indies debutant in this format.
In domestic franchise T20 cricket, Athanaze plays for the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), bringing his hard-hitting batting and youthful energy to the crowds. In 2023, he was appointed captain of the Windwards Volcanoes in regional competitions, assuming leadership at a young age and symbolising the Windward Islands’ investment in homegrown talent. His leadership on and off the field reflects his cricketing maturity and commitment to nurturing new players from smaller islands.
His talent has earned praise from regional legends; Brian Lara has referred to him as “the most talented” among current West Indian batters. This recognition places Athanaze in rarefied company and fuels expectations that he may anchor the next creative and dynamic generation of Caribbean cricketers.
Impact on Dominica’s Cricketing Identity
For Dominica, Athanaze’s rise is a source of genuine national pride. As a player emerging from a small island with limited exposure compared to larger Caribbean nations, his achievements reinforce the notion that talent and determination can flourish regardless of geography. He has become a role model for young Dominican players aspiring to reach international level, inspiring public and school-level investments in youth cricket and facilities.
Athanaze’s success also strengthens regional cricket bonds; as captain of the Windwards, he leads representation of smaller islands in the broader West Indian cricket structure, ensuring that their voices carry influence. As he gathers more international caps, his career continues to spotlight Dominica’s contribution to Caribbean cricket.