Slowly but surely, preparations by the key teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 6, have begun. Two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies are set to face the highly talented Afghanistan in a three-match T20 International series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The three-match T-20 series will be played at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22. This series is crucial for both the teams ahead of T-20 World Cup.
West Indies have named a 16-member squad for the tour, with Brandon King appointed captain in the absence of several senior players who are either rested or unavailable due to other commitments. Notable inclusions include the return of Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis from injury, while promising youngster Quentin Sampson has earned his maiden international call-up.
From the West Indies camp, regular T20 captain Shai Hope, along with established players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford, were unavailable for selection due to their commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament. In Hope’s absence, Brandon King has been appointed captain. King has previously led the West Indies in T20 Internationals, including the home series against South Africa in early 2024, and brings valuable leadership experience to this assignment. Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis are back in action for this series, with both players successfully clearing return-to-play protocols after recovering from injuries sustained in previous series.
Head coach Daren Sammy noted that, beyond serving as a fine-tuning exercise ahead of the ICC World Cup, the series also provides an opportunity to reintegrate key players returning after extended periods on the sidelines.
West Indies T20 Squad against Afghanistan: Brandon King (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds and Shamar Springer.
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