Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed its 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be staged jointly in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The announcement was made on January 26 via a short video presentation released across CWI’s official social media platforms.
Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope has been appointed captain, leading a side that blends established campaigners with emerging options as the two-time champions set their sights on another global title.
Core group retained, familiar names return
The selected squad features several players who formed the backbone of the West Indies’ most recent T20 World Cup campaigns. Among those retaining their places are Test captain Roston Chase, all-rounder Jason Holder, spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, middle-order power hitters Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, and seam-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd.
The group reflects continuity in selection, with many players viewed as long-term fixtures in the Caribbean’s white-ball plans.
Lewis and Joseph miss out as selection raises eyebrows
Notably absent from the squad are left-handed opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who is continuing his recovery from injury. Lewis’ omission, in particular, marks a significant shift for a player long regarded as one of the most destructive T20 batters in West Indies history.
In a message posted to his Instagram story shortly after the squad announcement, the 34-year-old strongly hinted that his international career may have reached its conclusion.
“Just wanna thank everyone who supported me in my ten years of international cricket, but I think the time has come for me to depart,” Lewis said. “Stay tuned.”
Lewis exits the international stage with an imposing résumé, having represented the West Indies in 70 One-Day Internationals and 67 T20 Internationals. In the shortest format, he struck two centuries and 13 half-centuries, compiling 1,799 runs at an average of 29.01 and a strike rate of 152.07.
Sampson the surprise as Sammy rolls the dice
The most intriguing inclusion is Guyanese batter Quentin Sampson, who emerges as the wildcard selection in head coach Daren Sammy’s World Cup plans. The 25-year-old only made his international debut earlier this month during a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan.
Sampson impressed initially with a composed 30 off 24 balls on debut but followed with modest returns of two and three as the West Indies conceded the series 2-1. Despite the limited sample size, the selectors have placed faith in his power-hitting potential on the world stage.
Group C challenge and Kolkata opener await
West Indies have been placed in Group C, where they will face England, Italy, Nepal, and Scotland, the latter having replaced Bangladesh in the tournament line-up. The Men in Maroon will begin their campaign against Scotland on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
With experience, firepower, and fresh intrigue in their ranks, the West Indies head into the tournament seeking to reassert their dominance in the game’s shortest format.
Squad: Shai Hope (captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
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