Powell, 25, has played 21 Tests, 28 one-day internationals and and one Twenty20 international since first appearing at international level in 2009. He has three Test centuries to his name, including twin tons made in against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2012. Despite those successes, he averages an underwhelming 27.48 at Test level. He stepped away following the first Test of the 2014 series against New Zealand for personal reasons.

Once touted as a future Windies captain by WICB president Dave Cameron, the left-hander hasn't played any top-level cricket since lining up for Tamil Union in Sri Lanka. He says that the American pastime has his full attention at the moment, even if cricket has not entirely been written off. "Baseball is my priority right now. Obviously cricket is my first love.

"[Baseball is] really fun, it's an interesting game, I've loved every minute of it so far, and I hope to continue doing it for the rest of my career."

He explained he had never contemplated a move to baseball prior to being approached, but having made the decision has received immense support from family and friends. "It's a unique opportunity, it's a once in a lifetime thing. This is what dreams are made of as I said earlier. I'm just so excited about it, like everyone's so excited about it."

Powell suggested the WICB had to do more to ensure the region's top talent stayed with the world's eighth-ranked outfit.