Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Keith Barker

Keith Hubert Douglas Barker (born 21 October 1986) is an English cricketer who plays as a left-handed all-rounder for Hampshire in county cricket. A former professional footballer, Barker represented England at youth level with Blackburn Rovers before switching to cricket in 2008, joining Warwickshire's academy. Barker made his first-class debut for Warwickshire in 2009 and spent ten seasons there, helping them win the County Championship in 2012 while taking 357 wickets. He moved to Hampshire in 2019, where he continued as a key swing bowler and lower-order batsman, amassing over 500 first-class wickets in his career. In July 2024, Barker received a 12-month anti-doping suspension for testing positive for the prohibited substance indapamide, backdated to allow his return in July 2025. Following the 2025 season, he will rejoin Warwickshire on a one-year contract for 2026.

Early life and football career

Family background and early years

Keith Barker was born on 21 October 1986 in , , . He possesses heritage through his parents, with his father, Keith Barker Sr., born in and having played as an opening bowler for in two matches during the early 1960s. Barker's godfather is , the renowned former captain of the , whose close friendship with Barker Sr. fostered the younger Barker's initial interest in the sport from a young age. Growing up in , Barker engaged in local youth sports programs, where predominated owing to the area's deep-rooted prominence in the sport. This early involvement in provided a foundation that naturally led toward professional opportunities in the game.

Club career in football

Barker joined the academy of club Blackburn Rovers ahead of the 2004–05 season, progressing through the youth ranks as a promising but failing to make any senior appearances for the first team during his time there from to 2007. In January 2006, at the age of 19, he was loaned to Belgian club Cercle Brugge, a feeder team for Blackburn, but did not feature in any first-team matches during his six-month spell. Later that year, in August 2006, Barker secured a loan move to English League Two side , where he made 16 appearances and scored 1 goal, marking his professional debut in the Football League during a season hampered by injuries and limited opportunities. Seeking further playing time, Barker transferred permanently to Irish club St Patrick's Athletic in July 2007, signing a six-month in the League of Ireland Premier Division. There, he featured in 9 matches, netting 3 goals and showing glimpses of his goalscoring potential as a tall, physical forward, though the team struggled overall in the league. His final professional football engagement came in 2008 with Northwich Victoria in the Conference North, where he appeared in 4 games without scoring, as persistent challenges in securing consistent starts and overcoming injuries began to erode his prospects in the sport. Despite early promise in Blackburn's and representative , Barker's club career was marked by limited minutes and unfulfilled potential, with just 29 senior appearances and 4 goals across all clubs. These setbacks, coupled with a growing interest in , prompted him to retire from professional around 2008–2009 and focus solely on the latter sport.

International football career

Born in , , Keith Barker was eligible to represent the at various levels due to his birthplace. Barker's strong performances as a for Blackburn Rovers' youth team earned him call-ups to the youth squads. He represented at under-18, under-19, and under-20 levels, including an appearance for the under-18s against . He made his appearance for England Under-19s on 9 February 2005, coming on as a substitute for Luke Holmes in a 1-1 friendly draw against Belgium Under-19s at the Henri Houtsaegerstadion in , Belgium. Barker did not earn senior international caps, concluding his representative career in youth football.

Cricket career

Time at Warwickshire (2009–2018)

Keith Barker joined ahead of the 2009 season, signing as a left-handed batsman after turning down a professional contract with at age 16 to pursue instead. His late entry into professional stemmed from a youth career in , where he represented at under-18 and under-19 levels before a injury prompted the switch. Initially viewed primarily as a batter, Barker gradually developed his left-arm medium-pace under the guidance of 's coaching staff, evolving into a reliable over the next decade. Barker made his first-class debut for in 2009, marking the start of a professional career that saw him play 113 first-class matches for the county by the end of his tenure. Across these appearances from 2009 to 2018, he claimed 359 wickets at an average of 25.42 and scored 3,554 runs at 28.43, establishing himself as a key contributor in both disciplines. His bowling prowess, characterized by swing and seam movement, complemented his solid middle-order batting, allowing him to fill various roles in the team. A standout moment came in 2012, when Barker played a pivotal role in Warwickshire's Division One title win, capturing 56 wickets—the highest in the competition that season—and earning his county cap as a reward. Notable performances included career-best match figures of 10 for 70 against , where his dismantled the opposition twice, helping secure a three-day victory that bolstered Warwickshire's championship push. He also provided batting support, scoring useful runs in several matches to stabilize the innings during the title-winning campaign. During his time at , Barker achieved six first-class centuries, highlighting his growth as a batsman capable of anchoring or accelerating as needed. These milestones, including his maiden ton against in , underscored his all-round value and helped the team in tight contests. Barker departed after the 2018 season, concluding a 10-year stint in which he had taken 359 first-class wickets for the county, reflecting on a period of consistent development and team success.

Tenure at Hampshire (2019–2025)

Keith Barker joined Hampshire from ahead of the 2019 season, signing a two-year contract on 26 September 2018. He made his debut for the county in April 2019 against in the . In his first season, Barker claimed 38 wickets in the at an average of 26.34, establishing himself as a key swing bowler in the attack. On 15 January 2020, Barker extended his contract with Hampshire, securing his position until at least the end of 2021. Later that year, in August 2020, he achieved a personal milestone by taking his 400th first-class wicket during the opening match of the Bob Willis Trophy against Sussex at Hove, dismissing Delray Rawlins. Throughout his tenure, Barker provided consistent contributions across formats as a left-arm swing bowler and useful lower-order left-handed batsman, drawing on his prior experience at Warwickshire to bolster his all-rounder role. His performances helped Hampshire in the County Championship, with notable hauls including a career-best 7-46 in first-class cricket. By the end of 2025, Barker's overall career statistics stood at 169 first-class matches, in which he scored 5,500 runs and took 538 wickets; 73 List A matches with 639 runs and 89 wickets; and 65 T20 matches with 383 runs and 69 wickets. In 56 first-class appearances for Hampshire, he captured 179 wickets at an average of 24.00. Following the completion of a 12-month suspension, Barker returned to competitive cricket on 4 July 2025 and made two appearances for Hampshire to close out the season, including a County Championship match against Sussex in September.

Anti-doping suspension and return

The violation and ban

In July 2024, Keith Barker, then an active for , was provisionally suspended by the Cricket Regulator following a positive test for Indapamide, a prohibited and masking agent under the (WADA) code. The substance was detected in an out-of-competition urine sample collected on 22 May 2024 during routine testing at Hampshire's training facilities. Indapamide had been prescribed to Barker by his doctor to manage high , but the violation stemmed from an administrative error: failure to declare the medication or apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) as required under Article 2.1 of the (ECB) Anti-Doping Rules, which prohibits the presence of banned substances regardless of intent. The Cricket Regulator formally charged Barker on 10 October 2024 with anti-doping rule violations for both the presence (Article 2.1) and use (Article 2.2) of Indapamide, a specified substance on the WADA Prohibited List. Barker admitted the charges on 29 October 2024, acknowledging that he had relied on medical advice without verifying the substance's status under anti-doping regulations. A hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel was held on 5 March 2025 via video conference, where the panel assessed the case, noting Barker's lack of intention to enhance performance and the absence of significant fault or negligence on his part. On 25 March 2025, the panel imposed a 12-month ban, backdated to the start of Barker's provisional suspension on 4 July 2024, thereby ending on 3 July 2025. The sanction was confirmed publicly by UK Anti-Doping on 16 April 2025, aligning with ECB protocols and emphasizing the importance of athlete responsibility in medication management. In a public statement, Barker expressed remorse and highlighted the incident as a , stating, "My hope is for any young professionals to look at my case with a renewed sense of vigilance around and anti-doping procedures in ."

Aftermath and 2026 move to Warwickshire

Following the completion of his 12-month anti-doping suspension, which was backdated to July 2024, Keith Barker became eligible to resume competitive on 4 July 2025. Barker reintegrated with Hampshire's first team late in the 2025 season, making two County Championship appearances against and to close out the campaign. In these limited outings, he contributed with both bat and ball, helping to bolster the side's lower-order resilience and seam attack amid a challenging year marked by his absence. Reflecting on the period, Barker described the as a "very tough" ordeal, emphasizing the emotional strain of separation from teammates and the rigorous training regimen, while attributing the violation to an administrative error involving himself and the club's medical staff. On 20 August 2025, Barker announced his departure from at the end of the season to rejoin on a 12-month contract for 2026, marking a return to the club where he spent his formative professional years from 2009 to 2018. At 39 years old—turning 39 in October 2025—the move leverages his extensive experience, including 357 first-class wickets and six centuries during his initial tenure, which culminated in the 2012 title. Barker expressed enthusiasm for the "full-circle" opportunity, viewing it as a chance to extend his career in familiar surroundings while drawing on lessons from the to prioritize discipline and team integration. Barker's Barbadian heritage through his father renders him eligible for representation, a pathway he has previously indicated openness to, though no senior international opportunities have been pursued to date. This potential remains a footnote in his career narrative, overshadowed by his domestic focus and transition from professional —where he earned youth caps for —to a sustained role as a county all-rounder. The , Barker noted, ultimately reinforced his appreciation for the sport's demands and the value of across his athletic pursuits.

References

  1. [1]
    Keith Barker | Biographies - National Arts Centre
    May 28, 2024 · Keith Barker is a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario. He is a playwright, actor, and director from Northwestern Ontario.
  2. [2]
    Keith Barker - Playwrights Guild of Canada
    Keith Barker is a Métis artist from Northwestern Ontario and the Director of the Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program at the Stratford Festival ...
  3. [3]
    In This Is How We Got Here, playwright Keith Barker reflects on ...
    Apr 9, 2024 · A member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, Barker grew up in the Northwestern region of the province and moved to Toronto in his 20s. He ...
  4. [4]
    Keith Barker - Marquis Literary
    Keith Barker is a Métis artist from Northwestern Ontario and the former Artistic Director at Native Earth Performing Arts.
  5. [5]
    New Play Actor Training 2025 | Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
    Headshot of Keith Barker. Keith Barker. Headshot of Keith Barker. Keith Barker. Keith Barker is a Métis artist from Northwestern Ontario. Keith is the director ...
  6. [6]
    [PDF] by Keith Barker - Winnipeg - Prairie Theatre Exchange
    Apr 1, 2025 · Keith Barker is an award-winning Métis playwright, actor, and director originally from Northwestern Ontario. Keith is Director of the Foerster.<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Celebrated Métis playwright brings life story to PTE stage - YouTube
    Apr 3, 2025 · Raised by Women” recounts Keith Barker's experiences being raised by his mom, sisters, aunties, and friends. Subscribe to CTV News to watch ...
  8. [8]
    Keith Barker - Playwright - Punctuate! Theatre
    BIOGRAPHY. Keith Barker is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. He is a playwright, actor, and director from Northwestern Ontario.
  9. [9]
    Keith Barker: How the Métis playwright opening the Shaw Festival's ...
    Feb 5, 2022 · Barker, whose twisting theatre career has taken him from acting to artistic direction with a stint at the Canada Council for the Arts in ...
  10. [10]
    Keith Barker Profile - Cricket Player England | Stats, Records, Video
    Full Name. Keith Hubert Douglas Barker ; Born. October 21, 1986, Manchester, Lancashire ; Age. 39y 21d ; Batting Style. Left hand Bat ; Bowling Style. Left arm ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  11. [11]
    Keith Barker - CricketArchive
    Full name: Keith Hubert Douglas Barker ; Born: 21st October 1986, Manchester, Lancashire, England ; Batting: Left-hand batter ; Bowling: Left-arm medium pace.Missing: family background early life
  12. [12]
    Keith Barker Profile - Cricket Player West Indies | Stats, Records, Video
    Keith Barker played twice for British Guiana as an opening bowler and lower-order batsman before moving to the UK where he was the overseas professional.
  13. [13]
    Keith Barker: Warwickshire left-arm all-rounder open to West Indies ...
    Oct 26, 2016 · The Barker family's cricketing credentials. Keith Barker Sr played first-class cricket for his native British Guiana, in the early 1960s, ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  14. [14]
    Keith Barker reflects on swapping sports before becoming a ...
    Jan 1, 2023 · Then, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd - Barker's godfather due to a friendship with his late father Keith senior - handled contract ...
  15. [15]
    Ex-Dale striker Keith Barker proves big cricket hit
    Jan 18, 2013 · Barker, whose godfather is former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, admits he is stunned to be now making a big career in cricket after his ...
  16. [16]
    Black History Month: 21st Century Home Boys | Utilita Bowl
    Keith Barker is an all-rounder who bats and bowls left-handed (medium-fast). His parents came from Barbados but Keith was born in Manchester in 1986 and he ...
  17. [17]
    Keith Barker - Career stats | Transfermarkt
    Stats by club. Club, Appearances, Goals, Assists. Rochdale · 16, 1, 1. St. Pat's · 9, 3, -. Northwich Vic · 4, -, -. Cercle Brugge ...Missing: Blackburn | Show results with:Blackburn
  18. [18]
    Keith Barker Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more
    Keith Barker. Keith Hubert Douglas Barker. Position: FW. Born: October 21, 1986 in Manchester, England, United Kingdom eng. Youth National Team: England eng.Missing: U19 2005
  19. [19]
    England's Opponents - Belgium - England Football Online
    Barker). 96, 6 September 2005 - England 3 Belgium 2 [2-1] Williamson Motors ...Missing: Keith | Show results with:Keith
  20. [20]
    Barker scouting for second career - The PCA
    Nov 5, 2019 · Barker is a former professional footballer, having spent his youth career with Blackburn Rovers before going on to represent a number of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Keith Barker's rise from football rags at Blackburn Rovers to ...
    Apr 26, 2012 · Barker was signed initially as a batsman but Warwickshire's director of cricket Ashley Giles felt that he had the potential to develop into ...
  22. [22]
    Keith Barker: 'I finished with football before it finished me'
    Jun 13, 2015 · His next career move was to Irish club St Patrick's via a loan spell at Rochdale, where he had made his full Football League debut. “After ...
  23. [23]
    Warwickshire all-rounder Barker to join Hampshire
    Sep 26, 2018 · Barker, who turns 32 in October, joined the Bears ahead of the 2009 season and has taken 359 wickets and scored 3,554 runs in 113 First Class ...
  24. [24]
    Hampshire Cricket Pen Deal With Keith Barker | Utilita Bowl
    Hampshire Cricket are delighted to announce the signing of all-rounder, Keith Barker. ... Since making his debut for Warwickshire in 2009, Barker has totalled 359 ...
  25. [25]
    Keith Barker excels as Warwickshire romp to victory over Durham ...
    Durham's tormentor-in-chief was the left-armer Keith Barker whose ability to swing the ball at a decent lick contributed to career-best match figures of 10 for ...
  26. [26]
    Keith Barker: Hampshire all-rounder on his 'tough year' following ban
    Sep 26, 2025 · The all-rounder will now return to Warwickshire where he spent 10 seasons between 2009 and 2018 - taking 357 wickets and scoring six first-class ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  27. [27]
    Keith Barker to leave Warwickshire for Hampshire - The Cricketer
    Sep 26, 2018 · The allrounder, who has taken 497 wickets for Warwickshire in all competitions since joining the club ahead of the 2009 season, has signed a two ...
  28. [28]
    Keith Barker | Squad Profile | Hampshire Cricket - Utilita Bowl
    Keith Barker is a left-arm bowler and left-hand batter. He was born in Manchester, Lancashire and joined Hampshire from Warwickshire – making his debut in April ...Missing: background early life
  29. [29]
    Keith Barker signs two-year contract extension with Hampshire
    Dec 9, 2021 · Keith Barker has signed a contract extension with Hampshire, keeping him at club until the end of the 2023 season. Barker, 34, has become a ...Missing: transfer | Show results with:transfer
  30. [30]
    Keith Barker: Hampshire all-rounder extends contract with county
    Jan 15, 2020 · Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker has extended his contract with the county. Barker, 33, moved on a two-year deal to the Ageas Bowl from Warwickshire last ...Missing: transfer | Show results with:transfer
  31. [31]
    Bob Willis Trophy 2020, SUS vs HAM South Group Match Report ...
    Barker made the breakthrough in the second over of the day when Rawlins (11) was caught behind to give the former Warwickshire left-armer his 400th first-class ...
  32. [32]
    Keith Barker To Return To Warwickshire For 2026 Season
    Aug 20, 2025 · All-rounder Keith Barker will depart Hampshire at the end of the current season to return to Warwickshire for 2026. Wednesday 20 August 2025.
  33. [33]
    [PDF] Cricket-Regulator-v-Keith-Barker.pdf - ECB
    Apr 15, 2025 · On 10 October 2024, the Cricket Regulator charged Keith Barker (“the Respondent), a professional Cricketer employed at Hampshire County ...
  34. [34]
    Keith Barker suspended for 12 months following use of banned ...
    Apr 16, 2025 · Keith Barker, the Hampshire left-arm seamer, has been suspended from all cricket for 12 months - backdated to July 2024 - after testing positive for a ...Missing: post | Show results with:post
  35. [35]
    Cricket Regulator v Keith Barker - Sport Resolutions
    Professional cricketer, Mr Keith Barker was charged by the CR with committing Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ...
  36. [36]
    Hampshire's Barker to return in July after year-long ban for failed ...
    Apr 16, 2025 · ... class wickets and scored six first-class centuries since he made his debut for Warwickshire in 2009. He moved to Hampshire at the end of the ...Missing: April | Show results with:April
  37. [37]
    Keith Barker: Warwickshire re-sign all-rounder for 2026 - BBC Sport
    Aug 20, 2025 · Barker, who turns 39 in October, spent 10 seasons at Edgbaston between 2009 and 2018 - taking 357 wickets and scoring six first-class centuries ...Missing: stats | Show results with:stats
  38. [38]
    Keith Barker: 'I'd happily play for West Indies' | ESPNcricinfo
    Nov 8, 2014 · Warwickshire's Keith Barker on his football career, his badminton skills, and the advice he'd give his 12-year-old self.