GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Legendary former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd believes the regional side is well positioned to challenge for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, expressing confidence that the team has the talent and balance required to mount a serious campaign.
The West Indies will be chasing a record third T20 World Cup title when the tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, gets underway on February 7. The upcoming edition also represents an opportunity for redemption following the team’s exit at the Super Six stage of the 2024 tournament.
A group filled with opportunity
Drawn in Group C, the West Indies will face England, Nepal, Italy, and Scotland in the opening phase. Scotland were elevated into the group after Bangladesh withdrew from the competition, declining to travel to India for their scheduled opening matches.
Sir Clive views the group as one that offers opportunity rather than intimidation, provided the team executes effectively from the outset.
Faith in the T20 skill set
Speaking during an interview on Isports 195.5 FM on Thursday, Lloyd said the West Indies possess a strong core of T20 specialists capable of matching any opponent in the field.
“…I think we have a good chance. I don’t see why we can’t do well.
“I think most of the team is pretty good and well versed as far as T20s are concerned and we have some good strikers of the ball. It’s just getting the right formation,” he explained.
The case for a pre-tournament camp
While Cricket West Indies has not yet named its World Cup squad, Lloyd stressed the importance of preparation beyond individual form, advocating for a dedicated team camp ahead of the tournament.
Drawing on his own experience, he said time spent together off the field can be just as critical as technical readiness.
“I would like to see the guys playing together for like two weeks in a camp, somewhere where they can discuss all the tactics of one-day cricket, give them a chance to run between the wickets with one another, let them bowl together and be a team,” Lloyd said.
Lessons from a golden era
Sir Clive reflected on the cohesion that defined West Indies teams during his playing days, noting that familiarity and trust often proved decisive under pressure.
“I think we were lucky when I was playing. Our One-Day team wasn’t too far off from our Test team, so the guys were playing together, and they got to know one another quite well. In tight situations you knew who to bowl or who to send out to bat,” he added.
As the countdown to February 7 continues, Lloyd’s message is clear: with talent already in place, unity, preparation, and clarity of roles could determine whether the West Indies convert potential into another historic T20 World Cup triumph.
