About Sheldon Cottrell
Full Name: Sheldon Shane Cottrell
Date of Birth: August 19, 1989
Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica
Role: Left-Arm Fast-Medium Bowler | T20 Specialist
Sheldon Cottrell has become one of the most recognizable faces in modern West Indies cricket—not just for his left-arm pace, but for his trademark military-style salute after every wicket. A former soldier turned cricketer, Cottrell brings discipline, heart, and fierce pride every time he pulls on the maroon jersey.
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Cottrell’s early life revolved around both cricket and service. He trained with the Jamaican Defence Force and served as a soldier, balancing his love for cricket with his duty to country. His salute is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to his military roots and the values instilled in him: commitment, resilience, and respect.
Cottrell burst onto the international scene in 2013, and though his early opportunities were limited, he stuck around, working hard on his swing bowling and improving his death-over skills. It was in the shorter formats, especially T20 cricket, where he found his true calling. With the new ball, he can swing it dangerously into right-handers, and at the death, his variations and yorkers make him a potent weapon.
Career highlights include:
- Over 90 international wickets across ODIs and T20Is
- Leading wicket-taker for West Indies in 2019 ICC World Cup, including a memorable spell against New Zealand
- Successful stints in IPL (Kings XI Punjab) and CPL (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots)
- Known for his iconic salute celebration, which has become a fan favorite worldwide
Cottrell is not just a cricketer with flair—he’s a team man through and through. He’s vocal, animated, and always involved in the game. His energy lifts the field, and his celebrations bring smiles across the globe. But behind the theatrics lies a bowler who has developed into one of the most reliable left-arm seamers in Caribbean cricket.
Off the field, Cottrell is soft-spoken, humble, and deeply grounded. He often speaks about giving back to his community and inspiring young Jamaicans who may be balancing more than one dream—just like he did.
With jersey number 19, Sheldon Cottrell is the perfect blend of soldier and showman—saluting not only his fallen comrades but every moment he gets to represent the West Indies with pride and purpose.