West Indies cricketer Kieran Powell makes a move to baseball

Struggling West Indies will have to deal with another blow in the face of a potential switch. Former Test opener Kieran Powell, who last played for the Windies in June 2014, is in Bradenton, Florida, preparing for a tryout day at the IMG Academy on January 13, in which he will showcase his batting and fielding skills in a bid to be signed by a Major League Baseball franchise.

Having fallen out with the West Indies cricket board, Powell is committed to ensuring the move is a success. “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,” Powell said.

“I’ve had some training out here in the US for a few months.”

Once touted as a future Windies captain by WICB president Dave Cameron, the left-hander hasn’t played any top-level cricket since lining up for Tamil Union in Sri Lanka. He says that the American pastime has his full attention at the moment, even if cricket has not entirely been written off. “Baseball is my priority right now. Obviously cricket is my first love.

” It 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.”

He explained he had never contemplated a move to baseball prior to being approached, but having made the decision has received immense support from family and friends. “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.” he added.