ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies have announced a powerful 15 player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 which is set to start on 7 February in Sri Lanka and India.Shai Hope who missed the Afghanistan series due to his SA20 commitments will captain the two time champions from 2012 and 2016 in the marquee tournament featuring several key players to watch.
With 11 players retained from the 2024 edition the squad reflects strong balance and experience.
The batting unit is strengthened by Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles and skipper Shai Hope while the all rounders section includes former captain Jason Holder along with Sherfane Rutherford.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Shamar Joseph supported by Jayden Seales and Quentin Sampson. Spin options Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will complement the fast bowlers.
Prominent absentees include opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who could not regain fitness in time.
Before the T20 World Cup West Indies are scheduled to play a five match T20 International series against South Africa starting tomorrow in Paarl.
It may be noted that a West Indies second string side recently suffered a 2–1 series loss against Afghanistan in the UAE as most senior players were busy in the SA20 league.
West Indies have been placed in Group C along with England, Nepal, Scotland and Italy.
They will kick off their campaign on 7 February against Scotland at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Their second fixture will be against England on 11 February at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
West Indies will play their remaining group matches against Nepal and Italy on 15 and 19 February at Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium respectively.
West Indies squad
Shai Hope captain, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
