ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 19 January 2025.
The three-match series — ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 dress rehearsal will be played on 19, 21 and 22 January at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
“The series will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 6, with the final squad for this highly anticipated competition to be announced ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa set for January 27–31,” CWI wrote in a press release.
Among the inclusions are pacer Shamar Joseph, who remained out of action due to an injury sustained ahead of the India tour. Meanwhile, opener Evin Lewis also made a return from an injury layoff.
Brandon King will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Shai Hope, who is unavailable due to his commitments in the ongoing South Africa 20 (SA20) league, alongside Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford.
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The squad also includes Quentin Sampson, who has earned his maiden call-up to the international side after his outstanding performances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.
Sampson is included in place of Rovman Powell, who was rested alongside Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd as part of workload management.
Following the announcement, head coach Daren Sammy termed the series as an ideal opportunity to get adapted to conditions.
“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup.”
“It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who would’ve missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournament,” he said.
West Indies squad
Brandon King (capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
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