GEORGETOWN — A formidable blend of experience and proven match-winners will carry West Indies’ hopes at the upcoming IMC Over-40s Masters Cricket World Cup, with former internationals Ramnaresh Sarwan, Denesh Ramdin, and Lendl Simmons headlining a 29-man provisional squad.
The tournament is set for October 17-31 in Georgetown, where home conditions are expected to play a decisive role. The final squad of 16 to 18 players will be named by the Cricket West Indies Masters Association in the lead-up to the competition.
A squad built on legacy and local mastery
The provisional group reflects a deliberate strategy: combine international pedigree with players deeply familiar with regional conditions. Alongside the headline trio, former West Indies representatives such as Devendra Bishoo, Dale Richards, and Narsingh Deonarine add further depth and experience.
Manager Daniel Sadeo emphasized that the squad was carefully curated with a clear competitive blueprint in mind, leveraging both familiarity with Guyana’s surfaces and the tactical awareness of seasoned players.
If there is a defining theme to this West Indies unit, it is spin.
Led by Bishoo, the slow-bowling arsenal features an array of options, including Neil McGarrell, Sunil Dhaniram, Antonnel Atwell, Rakesh Maharaj, and Deonarine. The inclusion of Imran Khan of Guyana and Imran Khan of Trinidad & Tobago further expands the team’s tactical flexibility.
The intent is unmistakable: dominate on Guyana’s traditionally low, turning pitches by deploying a relentless and varied spin attack capable of suffocating opposition batting lineups.
Balanced batting anchored by experience
The batting unit mirrors the bowling attack in experience and reliability.
Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Dhaniram, and Simmons form the backbone of a lineup designed to adapt to challenging surfaces. Behind them, Ramdin, bringing his dual role as wicketkeeper, and Rayad Emrit provide crucial balance, contributing with both bat and ball.
This blend ensures the team is equipped not only to set competitive totals but also to recover from pressure situations.
While spin is the focal point, the squad is not without seam options. Larry Babb, Rudy Hinds, and Trevon Garraway offer pace support, giving selectors the ability to tailor combinations based on match conditions.
Additional all-rounders and spin resources provide further adaptability as the team narrows its provisional list to a final tournament squad.
Eyes on redemption after near miss
The West Indies enter the tournament with unfinished business, having reached the final of last year’s edition in Pakistan but falling just short of the title.
That experience, combined with home advantage, has fueled belief within the camp that this squad can go one step further.
Sadeo expressed strong confidence in both the composition and mindset of the group.
“We’ve selected experience with a plan. Guyana rewards discipline and spin; we have that in abundance. Fitness will be managed, but cricket IQ is paramount. This squad knows how to win on these tracks,” he said.
The 29-man squad includes: Denesh Ramdin, Narsingh Deonarine, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Antonnel Atwell, Lawrence Farnum, Larry Babb, Devon Clements, Sunil Dhaniram, Lendl Simmons, Shazam Ramjohn, Reno Mittleholtzer, Dale Richards, Imran Khan (Guyana), Neil McGarrell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devi Maharaj, Asif Chan, Randy Thomas, Imran Khan (Trinidad & Tobago), Vic Mahabeer, Randy Ramanan, Ryan Nurse, Rakesh Maharaj, Jieunick Mingo, Rudy Hinds, Trevon Garraway.
