West Indies unveil ODI squad as World Cup push begins against Sri Lanka

The road to the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup begins in earnest for the West Indies this week, with Cricket West Indies unveiling a 15-man squad tasked with launching a pivotal home campaign against Sri Lanka.

The three-match ODI series, scheduled for June 3-8 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, carries significance well beyond a bilateral contest. Every match represents an opportunity to secure valuable points in the race for automatic qualification to the next 50-over World Cup, while also reinforcing the progress the regional side has made in recent years on home soil.

Under the leadership of captain Shai Hope, the West Indies will seek to extend an impressive run of home ODI success, having gone unbeaten in their last four series in Caribbean conditions.

Key returns strengthen the squad

Among the biggest developments in the squad announcement is the return of fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who is back in contention after a lengthy absence caused by a back injury that has sidelined him since July 2025.

His return adds experience, pace, and firepower to a bowling attack that will be eager to challenge a highly disciplined Sri Lankan batting line-up.

Also returning is left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who missed the team's tour of New Zealand last November but now rejoins the ODI setup at a crucial stage of the season.

The pair's inclusion provides a significant boost to a squad seeking both immediate success and long-term momentum.

Hetmyer back in the ODI fold

Another notable feature of the squad is the reintegration of Shimron Hetmyer into the one-day setup.

After impressing during the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Hetmyer has been brought back into the ODI environment as part of Cricket West Indies' broader strategic planning for next year's World Cup.

The powerful left-hander is expected to join the squad ahead of the third and final ODI, giving selectors an opportunity to assess his role within the team's evolving white-ball plans.

His return signals the organization's commitment to building the strongest possible squad for the global tournament in October and November 2027.

Sammy focused on identity and consistency

While the squad contains several exciting names, Head Coach Daren Sammy believes the team's success will depend less on individual performances and more on collective execution.

Acknowledging Sri Lanka's strengths in the 50-over format, Sammy emphasized the importance of discipline, patience, and consistency throughout the series.

“Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket,” Sammy said. “For us, this series is about setting the standard, intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball. We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent.”

The coach also reiterated a message that has become central to the team's philosophy over the past 18 months.

“In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance which we have stressed for the last 18 months.”

Preparation complete, focus shifts to Sabina Park

The squad arrived in Jamaica on May 31 following the completion of a 10-day high-performance camp at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The camp provided players with an opportunity to sharpen their skills, reinforce tactical plans, and build cohesion before entering what is expected to be a challenging series against the sixth-ranked ODI side in the world.

Now, with preparations complete, attention turns squarely to Sabina Park and the opening match on Wednesday.

West Indies ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka: Shai Hope (Captain), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Springer.

The squad will be supported by an experienced management unit as follows: Head Coach – Daren Sammy, Manager – Rawl Lewis, Assistant Coach (Batting) – Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling) – Ravi Rampaul, Assistant Coach (Fielding) – Rayon Griffith, Physiotherapist – Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach – Darc Browne, Massage Therapist – Harone Jackson, Performance Analyst – Avenesh Seetaram, and Content & Media Officer – Jerome Foster.

Series schedule

All three matches will be played at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica:

• First ODI: June 3 – 9:30 a.m. Jamaica Time / 10:30 a.m. AST
• Second ODI: June 6 – 2:30 p.m. Jamaica Time / 3:30 p.m. AST
• Third ODI: June 8 – 2:30 p.m. Jamaica Time / 3:30 p.m. AST

The series marks the beginning of a significant chapter for West Indies cricket.

With World Cup qualification points on the line, a proud home record to defend, and a talented Sri Lankan side arriving with ambitions of its own, the challenge is substantial.

Yet the message from within the West Indies camp is clear: maintain the standards, win the key moments, and continue transforming Caribbean venues into a fortress.

The next phase of that journey begins at Sabina Park.