Born on 31 August 1999 in Baracara, a remote village in the East Berbice‑Corentyne region of Guyana, Shamar Joseph grew up in a large family with three sisters and five brothers. He later moved to New Amsterdam, where he worked in construction and as a security guard before committing fully to cricket.
Joseph plays domestically for Guyana and has featured for the West Indies in all three formats. Known for his pace exceeding 140 kph, he broke into the international arena in early 2024 and quickly became a notable figure in the side.
Shamar Joseph: quick facts
- Born: 31 August 1999, Baracara
- Team: West Indies
Shamar Joseph’s early life
Joseph's upbringing in Baracara involved limited access to modern communication, with no reliable internet or telephone services. He spent his childhood playing informal cricket with makeshift equipment, using fruit and tape balls, a style often described as "jungle‑land cricket". His early inspiration came from West Indian legends Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, whose bowling he emulated in village games.
Shamar Joseph’s domestic career
After relocating to New Amsterdam, Joseph entered the local cricket scene through Tucber Park Cricket Club, featuring in both first‑division and second‑division matches. A breakthrough came when he claimed six wickets for 13 runs in a Division 1 encounter, prompting his selection for the Guyana side. He made his first‑class debut for Guyana against Barbados on 1 February 2023 and later recorded a five‑wicket haul of 5/41 against the Windward Islands.
Joseph's performances earned him a place in the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the 2023 Caribbean Premier League, where he contributed to the team's championship win despite limited appearances. He also featured in the Super50 Cup, made his List A debut on 29 October 2023, and was later called up to the West Indies A team for a series in South Africa.
Shamar Joseph’s international career
Joseph received his first West Indies call‑up for the test series in Australia and debuted in January 2024 at Adelaide. On debut he scored 36 runs from 41 balls at number 11, forming a 55‑run partnership with Kemar Roach, and claimed a wicket with his very first delivery, dismissing Steve Smith. He went on to take a five‑wicket haul in the same match, becoming the tenth West Indian to achieve that feat on debut and the second bowler worldwide to combine a first‑ball wicket with a five‑wicket haul in a maiden test.
In the following test he produced figures of 7/68, helping the West Indies secure their first test victory on Australian soil in 27 years. His impact earned him the series‑most‑valuable‑player honour and a retainer contract with Cricket West Indies. The recent international record from June to October 2026 shows: T20I – 4 matches, 0 runs in 1 innings (highest 0), 2 wickets (best 2/54); Test – 5 matches, 104 runs in 7 innings (highest 38), 16 wickets (best 2/19); ODI – 1 match, 14 runs in 1 innings (highest 14), 1 wicket (best 1/52).
Shamar Joseph’s franchise and league career
Joseph's CPL stint with the Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2023 saw him deliver short‑pitched balls regularly above 140 kph, contributing to the team's title win. He entered the Pakistan Super League with Peshawar Zalmi as a replacement for Gus Atkinson, and later joined the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, debuting against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens where he bowled a ten‑ball over conceding 22 runs.
His involvement in various franchise leagues has broadened his experience across formats, allowing him to showcase his pace and adaptability on different stages.
Shamar Joseph’s playing style
A right‑arm fast bowler, Joseph relies on sheer speed, often exceeding 140 kph, and a repertoire of short‑pitched deliveries aimed at unsettling batsmen. He combines raw pace with the ability to swing the ball, a skill honed during a fast‑bowling clinic led by Curtly Ambrose. His aggressive approach is complemented by a willingness to bowl long spells, as demonstrated by his 11.5‑over spell yielding 7/68 in a test match.
Shamar Joseph’s records and achievements
Joseph became the first test cricketer to emerge from Baracara and the first West Indian number 11 to score more than 30 runs on test debut. He also joined an exclusive group by taking a wicket with his first ball in test cricket and following it with a five‑wicket haul in the same innings, a double previously achieved only by Nathan Lyon. His series‑most‑valuable‑player award in his inaugural test series marked a historic first for a West Indian debutant.
In January 2024 he received the ICC Men's Player of the Month award, the first time a West Indian had earned that distinction. He was later named in the West Indies squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shamar Joseph’s personal life
Joseph grew up alongside three sisters and five brothers, assisting his family in the logging trade before moving to New Amsterdam for work. He held jobs in construction and later as a security guard, often working twelve‑hour shifts. Support from his fiancée played a crucial role in his decision to leave employment and focus on cricket full‑time. He maintains close ties with his village and frequently acknowledges the encouragement he received from mentors such as Romario Shepherd and Prasanna Agoram.
Shamar Joseph in internationals, last 12 months
- T20I: 4 matches, 0 runs in 1 innings (highest 0), 2 wickets (best 2/54)
- Test: 5 matches, 104 runs in 7 innings (highest 38), 16 wickets (best 2/19)
- ODI: 1 match, 14 runs in 1 innings (highest 14), 1 wicket (best 1/52)
Shamar Joseph: frequently asked questions
When was Shamar Joseph born?
Shamar Joseph was born on 31 August 1999 in Baracara.
Where is Shamar Joseph from?
Shamar Joseph was born in Baracara.
Which teams has Shamar Joseph played for?
Shamar Joseph plays international cricket for West Indies.
What are Shamar Joseph’s international stats in the last 12 months?
From June 2026 to October 2026, Shamar Joseph played T20I: 4 matches, 0 runs in 1 innings (highest 0), 2 wickets (best 2/54); Test: 5 matches, 104 runs in 7 innings (highest 38), 16 wickets (best 2/19); ODI: 1 match, 14 runs in 1 innings (highest 14), 1 wicket (best 1/52).
