In preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, the West Indies team will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan before this mega ICC event. The squad for this series has now been announced. Two star players have returned to the squad. Regular captain Shai Hope will also not be a part of this series. Additionally, some of the team’s star players are currently participating in T20 leagues.
2 star players return in West Indies squad
West Indies cricket team has included fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who can bowl at speeds of up to 149 kilometers per hour. Joseph is returning to the Caribbean team after an injury.
Brandon King will captain the team against the Afghan team, as West Indies white-ball captain Shai Hope is unavailable for selection due to his commitments in the ongoing SA20 2025-26. Roston Chase, Akeal Hossain, and Sherfane Rutherford will also miss the T20I series against Afghanistan for the same reason. Meanwhile, 34-year-old veteran opener Evin Lewis has also been included in the squad.
Head coach Daren Sammy was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying, “The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is excellent as it helps us prepare and build confidence ahead of a competitive T20 World Cup. It also provides a valuable platform to assess players who will be out of action for a significant period of time at the end of 2025, as well as those who are key to this series.”
West Indies squad :
Brandon King (captain), Alick Athanase, Keesee Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Ford, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khari Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Raymon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
Afghanistan vs West Indies Fill Schedule:
1st T20I: January 19, 2026, Dubai, UAE
2nd T20I: January 21, 2026, Dubai, UAE
3rd T20I: January 22, 2026, Dubai, UAE