By Neto Baptiste
Batting all-rounder Karima Gore said his aim is to keep playing “quality cricket” as he seeks to further impress Leeward Islands selectors in hopes of being drafted into the sub-regional squad in the near future.
The PIC Liberta Blackhawks player was named MVP in the recent Cool & Smooth T20 Explosion after amassing 156 runs and claiming six wickets, was recently included in a three-day warm up match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Liberta venue.
“Playing quality cricket is the main goal at the moment and if playing for the Leeward Islands is just right in front of me then I will take the opportunity. The practice match that we played, it’s been about a year and a-half or two years since I had been out of white clothes [longer format of the game]. So, it was like a new experience and also challenging, but it would take some time to get used time again. I think it’s just your mindset in terms of the limited overs version where you’re looking to score basically off every ball and in the red ball version you’re basically looking to bat as long as possible and to occupy the crease,” he said.
Gore, who last played for the USA men’s team, was however left out of that country’s senior squad for the Home ICC World Cup League 2 Series in Texas from Mar 28 to June 15.
The player, who has been impressive with bat and ball for the International squad, has claimed 13 wickets in 16 ODIs at an average of 31.2 while picking up 10 wickets in eight T20 matches. Batting, Gore has scored 2010 runs in 16 ODIs and another 47 runs in eight T20 matches.
Gore said he will not dwell on the latest development but says it presents an opportunity for growth.
“I personally think that now is a time that I can get some rest and also improve some skills that I have. I have had no contract talks nor have I been offered a contract, so that would be maybe later down in the month or sometime in the future. I really don’t know what the future holds, so I can’t predict what will happen but I am hopeful,” he said.
Gore top-scored with 84 on the weekend as Blackhawks swept to an innings 174 runs victory over Rising Sun Spartans when they met in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) Two Day Competition at the Rising Sun venue.