Cricket West Indies (CWI) has revealed a 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan in Dubai, UAE, from January 19-22. This series serves as a crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting on February 7. Notable players like T20 Captain Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford are unavailable due to commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament.
Brandon King will lead the team in the absence of Shai Hope. King, who has previous experience leading the West Indies in T20 Internationals, brings valuable leadership skills to the squad. Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis are back in the squad after clearing return-to-play protocols following their recoveries from injuries. However, Alzarri Joseph, recovering from a late 2025 injury, is not included in the squad as a precautionary measure after a medical assessment.
Quentin Sampson, recognized as the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, earns his first international call-up, replacing Rovman Powell who is rested for the series. Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized the significance of this series in providing competitive exposure in subcontinental conditions, aiding in the team’s preparation and confidence-building for the T20 World Cup. The squad is set to depart the Caribbean on January 14 and reach the UAE on January 16 for the series.
