Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 16-member squad for its three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, marking the Caribbean side’s first major competitive step toward the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The series will be contested from January 19-22 at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
With the World Cup set to begin on February 6, the Afghanistan series represents a critical checkpoint in West Indies’ preparation, providing match exposure in subcontinental-style conditions and an opportunity to evaluate personnel ahead of final squad selection.
Leadership shift as Brandon King takes the helm
T20 captain Shai Hope will miss the series due to commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament, along with Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford. In Hope’s absence, Brandon King has been appointed captain.
King is no stranger to leadership at this level, having previously captained the West Indies in T20 Internationals, including the home series against South Africa in early 2024. His appointment brings continuity and experience to a squad navigating both transition and preparation.
Returns, rest, and a breakout debut
The series also marks the return of two important attacking options. Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis have both been cleared to play after successfully completing return-to-play protocols following injuries sustained in earlier assignments.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined toward the end of 2025, continues to make encouraging progress but has been left out of the squad as a precaution following medical review. CWI confirmed that he will remain under close observation as selectors assess his readiness for potential inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, Quentin Sampson, the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, has earned his maiden international call-up. Sampson replaces Rovman Powell, who has been rested for the series alongside Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd as part of a broader workload management strategy.
Sammy: Conditions and competition key to World Cup readiness
Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized that the Afghanistan series is as much about preparation as it is about assessment, particularly for players returning from extended absences and those stepping into new responsibilities.
“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup,” Sammy said. “It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who would’ve missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournament.”
The final World Cup squad is expected to be announced ahead of West Indies’ subsequent three-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled for January 27-31.
Travel plans confirmed ahead of Dubai showdown
The West Indies squad will depart the Caribbean on January 14 and arrive in the UAE on January 16, allowing time to acclimatize before the opening match.
Squad: Brandon King (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, Shimron Hetmyer.
Team Management Unit: Team Manager: Rawl Lewis, Head Coach: Daren Sammy, Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling): Ravi Rampaul, Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith, Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Darc Browne, Massage Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne, Performance Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram, Content & Media Officer: Jerome Foster.
T20I Series Schedule (Dubai)
· 1st T20I: January 19, 2026
· 2nd T20I: January 21, 2026
· 3rd T20I: January 22, 2026
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