In a press conference on Saturday, West Indies captain Rovman Powell expressed optimism and confidence as the team prepares to launch their bid for a third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.
The West Indies will face Papua New Guinea in their opening match at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday at 10:30 am.
Despite setbacks in the previous two editions of the T20 World Cup, Powell highlighted the team’s progress under new leadership. The West Indies, now coached by Darren Sammy, the architect of their 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup victories, have shown significant improvement, winning four out of five series since the beginning of 2023.
Powell acknowledged the disappointment of past failures, including their early exit from the 2021 tournament and their inability to advance from the qualifying rounds in 2022. These setbacks led to the resignation of former captain Nicholas Pooran and head coach Phil Simmons, ushering in a new era under Powell and Sammy.
Two-time World Cup winner
“The preparations over the last month or so have been very good,” Powell said. “We take pride in our series leading up to the World Cup because we realize how important it is to have series wins. Coming into a World Cup where you need those wins to use as additional confidence. And I think it has been good.”
Powell emphasized the impact of Sammy’s experience, stating, “You mentioned the fact that we have Darren Sammy, our coach, a two-time World Cup winner for the West Indies. That should provide us with additional resources that we need when things get tight, because he has been in the position already. Hopefully, his experiences and knowledge can spread across the group and be very fruitful for us in this World Cup.”
No host nation has ever won the T20 World Cup, but Powell believes that winning on home soil would be a monumental achievement for West Indies cricket. “The possibility of winning a third World Cup title in front of our own people in the Caribbean is something very, very special,” Powell noted. “For us as players, it’s a legacy. It’s something that after we finish playing, we can sit down with our kids or grandkids or family and just replay those memories of the 2024 World Cup.”
He also stressed the financial benefits of a victory, explaining that it would provide a substantial boost to West Indies cricket, particularly in funding youth programs and development.
Expected to dominate Papua New Guinea
In their opening match, West Indies are expected to dominate Papua New Guinea, a team whose only previous T20 World Cup appearance ended in the first round. Despite this, Powell cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for a strong start to build momentum.
West Indies will rely on their star-studded line-up, including Powell, Pooran, Andre Russell, and in-form opener Brandon King, to secure a decisive victory. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea will look to leg-spinner Charles Amini to spearhead their efforts both with the bat and the ball.
Squads:
West Indies: Rovman Powell (captain), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala (captain), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura
