Full Name: Matthew Walter Forde
Nickname: Fordey
Date of Birth: 29 April 2002
Age: 23 Years (as of February 2026)
Birthplace: Barbados
Hometown: Bridgetown, Barbados
Profession: Professional Cricketer (All-rounder)
Years Active: 2022 – Present
Nationality: Barbadian / West Indian
Religion: Christian
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 6’2” (Approx.)
Weight: 82 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: Chest: 40, Waist: 32, Biceps: 14 (Approx.)
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies: Gym, Listening to Reggae, Coastal Driving
Tattoos: None Publicly Visible
Father’s Name: Not Publicly Disclosed
Mother’s Name: Not Publicly Disclosed
Siblings: Information not public
Marital Status: Unmarried
Spouse: N/A
Children: N/A
Affairs / Relationships: Single / Private
Instagram ID: @matthewforde_5 (Official)
Instagram Followers: 50K+
Twitter (X): @mforde_cricket
Facebook: Matthew Forde Official
YouTube Channel: N/A
Other Platforms: Active on Threads
Introduction
Matthew Walter Forde is a rising star in the world of international cricket, representing the West Indies. A dynamic right-arm fast-medium bowler and a capable right-handed batsman, Forde has quickly established himself as a premier "new-age" all-rounder. Known for his ability to extract bounce and swing the new ball, he has become a vital asset for the West Indies in white-ball formats. His journey from the sandy beaches of Barbados to the grand stages of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is a testament to the rich cricketing heritage of the Caribbean and his own relentless work ethic.
Early Life & Childhood
Born on April 29, 2002, in Barbados, Matthew Forde grew up in an environment where cricket is more than just a sport—it's a way of life. From a young age, Forde was inspired by the legendary pace bowlers that Barbados has produced over decades. He began playing organized cricket in local clubs, quickly standing out due to his height and natural ability to bowl at a brisk pace. His childhood was spent balancing school with rigorous practice sessions at the Kensington Oval nets, where he dreamt of one day wearing the iconic maroon cap.
Education Qualification
Matthew Forde attended local schools in Barbados, where he was a prominent member of the school cricket teams. While his focus remained primarily on professional sports, he completed his secondary education with a focus on sports science and physical education. His academic background has often been credited for his disciplined approach to fitness and injury management, which is crucial for a modern-day fast bowler.
Career Journey
Forde's professional journey gained momentum when he was selected for the West Indies U-19 team for the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his senior T20 debut for the St Lucia Kings in the 2022 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where his ability to bowl under pressure earned him accolades. Following his success in domestic leagues, he made his List A debut for the Combined Campuses and Colleges. His consistent performances in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Global T20 Canada further showcased his versatility, leading to his eventual call-up to the national side.
Breakthrough Moment
The definitive turning point in Matthew Forde's career occurred on December 9, 2023. Making his ODI debut against England at his home ground in Barbados, Forde produced a dream performance. He ripped through the English top order, taking 3 wickets for just 29 runs, and contributed a vital 13* runs in a match-winning partnership. This performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award on debut, a feat achieved by very few. This breakthrough solidified his place as a regular starter in the West Indies limited-overs setup.
Major Works & Projects
Matthew Forde has become a globetrotting T20 specialist. His major projects include:
- West Indies National Team: Key member of the ODI and T20I squads.
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Representing St Lucia Kings with high-impact bowling.
- Lanka Premier League (LPL): Playing for Dambulla Aura, where he famously scored a 50 and took 4 wickets in a single match.
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): Representing Islamabad United.
- ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Playing a crucial role in the West Indies' campaign.
Awards & Achievements
Despite being early in his career, Forde has accumulated significant honors:
- Player of the Match: On ODI debut vs England (2023).
- Record Holder: Equal second-fastest fifty in List A cricket by a West Indian.
- Emerging Player: Widely recognized as one of the top emerging talents in the 2022 CPL season.
- LPL Star: Won multiple Man of the Match awards for his all-round displays in Sri Lanka.
Income, Fees & Net Worth
As of 2026, Matthew Forde's estimated net worth is approximately $1.5 Million - $2 Million. His income is derived from:
- CWI Central Contract: A lucrative retainer with Cricket West Indies.
- Franchise Leagues: Significant contracts in the CPL, LPL, BPL, and PSL. His CPL salary is estimated in the $50,000 - $70,000 range per season.
- Match Fees: International appearance fees for ODIs and T20Is.
- Endorsements: Deals with sports gear manufacturers like SS and local Barbadian brands.
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Forde maintains a grounded yet comfortable lifestyle. He resides in a beautiful apartment in Bridgetown, Barbados. He is known for his love of fitness and is often seen training at high-performance centers. Regarding his fleet, he owns a customized Ford Raptor and a Mercedes-Benz A-Class, reflecting his taste for both ruggedness and luxury. He is an avid traveler, often exploring the Caribbean islands during the off-season.
Controversies & Criticism
Matthew Forde has maintained a relatively clean public image. He was once criticized early in his career for an "over-aggressive" celebration after taking a wicket in the U-19 World Cup (mimicking Sheldon Cottrell's salute), which some felt was premature. However, he handled the feedback with maturity, stating it was merely out of respect for his senior. He is generally viewed as a humble and disciplined professional.
Lesser Known Facts
- He considers Jason Holder his mentor and often seeks advice from the veteran all-rounder.
- Forde once scored a 50 off just 16 balls in a domestic match, showcasing his explosive batting potential.
- He is a huge fan of Bob Marley and uses music to calm his nerves before big matches.
- He is a talented cook and often prepares traditional Barbadian 'Cou-cou and Flying Fish' for his teammates.
Public Image & Fan Following
In the Caribbean, Forde is seen as the future of West Indian cricket. Fans admire his "never say die" attitude and his ability to contribute in all three departments of the game. His social media following has surged recently, especially after his heroics in the T20 World Cup 2026 matches against Italy and Zimbabwe, where he proved to be a clutch performer.
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
Matthew Forde’s primary goal is to become the world’s top-ranked T20 all-rounder. He has expressed interest in playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with several scouts reportedly monitoring his progress for the 2027 auction. He also aims to break into the West Indies Test squad, hoping to prove his mettle in the longest format of the game.
Disclaimer: This biography is written using publicly available information, career statistics, and media reports as of February 2026. Figures regarding net worth and lifestyle are based on industry estimates and may change.