Cricket West Indies announces squad for T20 series against Afghanistan

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named its 16-member squad for the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan at the Dubai International Stadium from January 19–22.

The series will provide vital preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to begin on February 6. The final World Cup squad will be announced after the three-match T20I series against South Africa scheduled for January 27–31.

Shai Hope, along with Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford, were unavailable for selection due to commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament. In Hope’s absence, Brandon King has been appointed captain. King, who has previously led the West Indies in T20 Internationals, including during the home series against South Africa in early 2024, brings valuable leadership experience into this assignment.

Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis are returning after successfully clearing return-to-play protocols following injuries sustained in previous series. Alzarri Joseph, who had been sidelined towards the end of 2025, was not included as a precaution following medical review but will continue to be monitored for potential World Cup selection.

Quentin Sampson, the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, has earned his maiden international call-up, replacing Rovman Powell, who has been rested along with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd for workload management.

Head Coach Daren Sammy said the series will provide an opportunity to reintegrate key players and prepare the squad under competitive conditions.

“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. 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,” Sammy said.

The squad is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on January 14 and arrive in the UAE on January 16.

West Indies T20 Squad vs Afghanistan
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
Rawl Lewis – Team Manager
Daren Sammy – Head Coach
Floyd Reifer – Assistant Coach (Batting)
Ravi Rampaul – Assistant Coach (Bowling)
Rayon Griffith – Assistant Coach (Fielding)
Dr Denis Byam – Physiotherapist
Darc Browne – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Fitzbert Alleyne – Massage Therapist
Avenesh Seetaram – Performance Analyst
Jerome Foster – Content & Media Officer

Tour Schedule
1st T20I: January 19, 2026 – Dubai, UAE
2nd T20I: January 21, 2026 – Dubai, UAE
3rd T20I: January 22, 2026 – Dubai, UAE

(Cricket West Indies/PR)

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