Akeal Hosein (born 25 January 1993 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago) is a Trinidadian international cricketer and slow left-arm orthodox bowler known for his control, flight, and ability to contain runs in limited-overs cricket. A left-handed lower-order batter, Hosein has become a regular spin option for the West Indies across formats, particularly in white-ball cricket and global T20 leagues, where his tactical variation and consistency make him a valued asset.
Hosein made his Test debut for West Indies on 20 July 2023 against India, later also earning his ODI debut on 16 January 2022 against England and his T20I debut on 13 December 2021 versus Pakistan. Over his international career, he has been a reliable spin option for West Indies, contributing with tight bowling and crucial wickets in key phases of matches.
A significant international highlight came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where Hosein claimed his first World Cup five-for (5/29) against Bangladesh, showcasing his ability to influence big-stage encounters with disciplined spin bowling.
Hosein was also part of West Indies’ squads in major ICC events, including the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, underscoring his sustained role in the national limited-overs setup.
Hosein’s domestic career began with Trinidad and Tobago, where his performances in first-class and List A cricket led to higher honors. In the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he has been a regular with the Trinbago Knight Riders, contributing with economical bowling and key breakthroughs.
In global franchise T20 leagues, Hosein has been in demand: he made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut with Mumbai Indians before moving to Chennai Super Kings, where he has been a consistent spin option. He also featured in SA20 competitions, representing Paarl Royals, and has taken up short contracts in other T20 leagues, underscoring his versatility and global appeal.
Hosein bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin with tight lines, subtle flight, and accuracy that enable him to both stifle scoring rates and seize opportunities for breakthroughs. His variations in pace and trajectory make him difficult to score freely against, particularly in middle overs, and his ability to adapt to different conditions adds depth to bowling units.
With the bat, Hosein’s lower-order hitting offers useful runs on occasion, while his fielding contributes to team dynamics across formats. His all-around influence lies primarily in his strategic spin bowling, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Akeal Hosein is a disciplined Trinidadian left-arm orthodox bowler whose strategic use of spin and tactical accuracy have made him a trusted performer for the West Indies and global T20 franchises. With notable performances in ICC tournaments and consistent contributions in limited-overs cricket, Hosein stands out as an effective spin bowler in modern white-ball formats.