Source ; CNW
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by *India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
The squad was officially announced on January 26 through a video presentation shared across CWI’s social media platforms.
Shai Hope, the Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been named captain, leading a balanced unit that combines proven performers with emerging talent as the two-time champions aim to reclaim global glory.
Core Group Retained
The selected squad maintains strong continuity, with several players from recent T20 World Cup campaigns retaining their places. Among them are Roston Chase, Jason Holder, spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, middle-order power hitters Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, and seam-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd.
Their inclusion reflects confidence in a core group seen as central to the West Indies’ white-ball future.
Lewis and Joseph Omitted
Left-handed opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph are the most notable omissions. Joseph continues his recovery from injury, while Lewis’ absence signals a major shift for a player long considered one of the Caribbean’s most explosive T20 batters.
Following the announcement, Lewis posted a message on Instagram suggesting his international career may be nearing its end. The 34-year-old concludes a distinguished tenure having represented the West Indies in 70 ODIs and 67 T20Is, scoring 1,799 T20I runs at a strike rate of 152.07, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Sampson the Surprise Pick
The standout surprise is the inclusion of Quentin Sampson, the 25-year-old Guyanese batter who only made his international debut earlier this month during the T20 series against Afghanistan. Despite limited international exposure, head coach **Daren Sammy** and the selection panel have backed Sampson’s power-hitting ability to deliver on the world stage.
Group C Challenge Ahead
The West Indies have been drawn in Group C, alongside **England, Italy, Nepal, and Scotland, with Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the tournament lineup. The Men in Maroon will open their campaign against Scotland on February 7 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
With experience, firepower, and a touch of unpredictability, the West Indies head into the tournament determined to reassert themselves as a dominant force in T20 cricket.
West Indies Squad – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Shai Hope (captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.