Exclusive | ‘I still want to play Test cricket’: Jason Holder calls for ‘truthful compensation’ to counter lure of T20 leagues | Cricket News

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – AUGUST 15: Jason Holder of West Indies in motion in the course of the day 1 of the 2nd Test match between West Indies and South Africa at Guyana National Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Daniel Prentice/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: For Jason Holder, the dream of carrying the maroon cap in Test cricket is way from over. The 33-year-old West Indies all-rounder final featured in a Test greater than a yr in the past towards South Africa at Providence, the place he top-scored with 54 not out within the first innings, solely to see his workforce droop to a 40-run defeat. Despite his absence from the longest format since then, Holder stays optimistic a couple of comeback.In an unique interplay with TimesofIndia.com, Holder made his ardour clear: “I’ve got personal pride and passion for international cricket. When I grew up, there was no T20 cricket. It was always my dream to play for the West Indies. I still want to play Test cricket. Unfortunately, for whatever reasons, I haven’t been involved heavily in West Indies cricket apart from T20Is. But I have no doubt I’ll get back in the Test team at some point.”Holder, who has performed 69 Tests, 138 ODIs, and 75 T20Is, has constructed a profession round consistency and resilience. With 3073 Test runs and 162 wickets, he stays one of probably the most completed fashionable West Indian cricketers. For him, health — each psychological and bodily — stays the inspiration.“I try to keep my body in tune out of competition. I think I’ve just got a strong foundation of fitness that has propelled me for as long as I have.”

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: Jason Holder of West Indies and Jos Buttler of England work together following the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and West Indies at Seat Unique Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

‘Being captain at 23 shaped me’Holder additionally mirrored on his time because the youngest-ever West Indies captain at simply 23.“When I was at that age, it was obviously new to me. If I knew then what I know now, maybe I wouldn’t have taken it. It’s a lot to captain the West Indies, especially with so many nations under one banner. Before I took the caps, I was a boy. Afterwards, I developed into a man very quickly. It built my character and mental strength. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Currently, Holder is main St Kitts & Nevis Patriots within the Caribbean Premier League 2025, having moved from Barbados Royals after a decade. While outcomes haven’t gone their manner, he insists the shift has given him readability.“It’s been really good for me personally. I know results haven’t gone our way, but I came here to help bring change. We’ll need a refresh next season, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.”‘T20 leagues bring opportunities — but Test cricket is the pinnacle’Holder, who has made a reputation in world T20 leagues, admitted that franchise cricket has modified the panorama for cricketers however maintains that Test cricket stays the final word check.“T20 is easier to adapt to as a seasoned professional. But for young players, the longest format is where you really learn to play, hone your skills, and understand cricket. Test cricket is the pinnacle. Franchise leagues bring financial gains, but the purest form of the game will always be Test cricket.”

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – AUGUST 8: Jason Holder of West Indies in motion throughout day 2 of the first check match between West Indies and South Africa at Queen’s Park Oval on August 8, 2024 in Port of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Daniel Prentice-Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The all-rounder’s perspective resonates in a Caribbean context, the place many cricketers face the powerful name between pursuing profitable T20 contracts or representing their nation.‘Players need fair compensation’On Nicholas Pooran’s shock retirement from worldwide cricket at simply 29 to deal with franchise leagues, Holder supplied a practical take.“It’s a difficult challenge. It’s not just in the Caribbean, it’s happening in New Zealand, South Africa, all around the world. Money drives a lot of it. Unless international boards can meet players somewhere in the middle with fair compensation, more players will continue to choose leagues over their country.”

Nicholas Pooran introduced his retirement from the worldwide cricket on the age of 29

Holder added that speak of creating “windows” for franchise leagues and worldwide cricket is simpler stated than finished.“Windows are very difficult. The only real way to compete with leagues is by providing greater financial stability in international cricket. Otherwise, more players will turn down their countries.”‘West Indies need accountability in the system’Reflecting on the broader struggles of West Indies cricket, Holder was candid concerning the systemic points.“A lot of our issues stem from the system. We need more accountability at every level, better development programs, and standards that are enforced. Until then, inconsistency will remain. Building reliability with accountability is the only way forward.”

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: West Indies bowler Jason Holder celebrates with workforce mates after taking the wicket of Jamie Smith in the course of the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and West Indies at Seat Unique Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Despite challenges, Holder’s private targets stay firmly tied to the maroon jersey and the enduring delight of Test cricket. His profession, marked by resilience, management, and flexibility, is way from completed.(Fans can watch the Caribbean Premier League solely on FanCode)