Sometimes, for players and fans, cricket feels like the biggest thing in the world. But there are moments in life that remind us that some things go far beyond the game. For West Indies women’s opener Qiana Joseph, one such moment came right in the middle of competition – the loss of someone who was more than just a friend.
On his birthday, Joseph’s story becomes a reminder of grief, strength, and the courage it takes to keep going when the heart is heavy.
Joseph lost her close friend earlier this year. He was someone who supported her cricket deeply, woke up at odd hours to watch her play, and stood by her throughout her journey. His passing came at a time when she was still representing her team, forcing her to balance personal heartbreak with professional responsibility, something no athlete prepares for.
Sharing her emotional journey, Joseph said:
“Well, let me start by saying he was not just a friend, he came like family. The passing of him was really rough for me. I still cry every day and miss him every day. He played a big role in my career. Every time I go to play, he would be up, he could be six in the morning, five in the morning, he would be up watching me.
“When I went into the WCPL after his passing, it was a bit rough for me. I actually played the first game, a bit shaky. The second game I went out there and said that I have to score like a half century. I have to raise my bat for him and actually, when I was at 49 and then I scored the 50, like, I was really emotional, but I kept pushing on because I’m just I’m just trying to do well, to make him smile.
“I’m just working pretty hard on my fitness and more on my batting so that next year I can actually score 100 for a team and like my friend Taco, he dreamt of me scoring 100, but he passed and I never got the opportunity, so next year I would love for me to raise my bat and my helmet.”
Her words show not just her pain, but also the purpose she now carries, to fulfil a dream her friend had for her, and to honour his memory every time she walks out to bat.
In T20Is, Joseph has played 21 innings, scoring 392 runs, proving her value as a flexible batter who can adapt her game to different match situations. Beyond her batting, Joseph also contributes with the ball. As a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, she has picked up 13 wickets in 13 ODI innings, giving her team crucial breakthroughs when needed.
(Quotes sourced from video posted by Windies Cricket)
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