Mon, Jun 29, 2026
Mon, Jun 29, 2026
Sampson bringing positive approach to maiden West Indies call-up
By Akeem Greene
Quentin Sampson’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
A year ago, he was a name known mostly to local Guyanese aficionados, mainly in softball and tapeball. Today, he stands on the precipice of a West Indies debut in India.
Following a standout 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign, in which he emerged as the tournament’s ‘Breakout Player’, Sampson has been rewarded with a spot in the T20I squad to face Afghanistan.
For a young man hailing from Caria Caria, a small riverain community in Essequibo, the significance of the moment is not lost on him.
In an era where West Indies cricket is searching for the next generation of explosive all-rounders, Sampson’s blend of power-hitting and handy medium-pace has made him an unavoidable prospect for the selectors.
“It’s emotions that I can’t really explain,” Sampson told News Room Sport on Tuesday. “It was something I always dreamed about. (I) always wanted to represent Guyana and the West Indies. God’s time is the right time.”
Essequibo has historically been an underserved region in the Guyanese cricketing landscape, making Sampson’s ascension a beacon for the county.
He acknowledges that coming from a rural area carries a different set of expectations- or lack thereof- which he is now determined to change.
“Coming from there [Caria Caria], there aren’t many expectations of us,” Sampson admitted. “Now, I am one of the people people can look at. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
The three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in India from January 19-22, serves as a vital dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sampson is clear about his approach: “Things happen for you when you least expect, so it is up to you to improve your game. I am ready to grasp this with both hands. Every game you go out to play, someone is looking at you. I am just waiting on my opportunity.”
Known for a high-intent, positive style of play that mirrors the modern T20 philosophy, Sampson isn’t planning on changing the formula that got him here.
“I will maintain a positive approach to my game,” he stated firmly.