BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has confirmed the regional squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which gets underway next weekend in India and Sri Lanka.
The squad features a blend of senior players and established international stars, including several returning from injury or recent international duty. The team will be led by captain Shai Hope and includes 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, and Romario Shepherd.
The two-time champions head into the tournament following a string of disappointing series and inconsistent batting performances. However, CWI said the selection follows an “extensive assessment period” and is aimed at assembling a unit capable of competing consistently at the highest level, while adapting to the unique demands of subcontinental conditions.
Head Coach Daren Sammy, who is currently in South Africa with the team for a short preparatory series, said the squad reflects careful planning and a clear understanding of what will be required to succeed on the world stage.
“We have selected a squad with balance, extensive experience, and a touch of mystery,” Sammy said. “We’ve got X-factor where it counts, hungry newcomers pushing the seasoned heads, and a group ready to fight to make the region proud.”
The West Indies will face mounting pressure in conditions similar to those where they last lifted the T20 World Cup in 2016. Recent struggles against spin, particularly during their T20 series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, have raised concerns—challenges they are likely to encounter again on the slower pitches of the subcontinent.
“We’ve thought long and hard about what it takes to win in India and Sri Lanka, and we’ve come up with the best team to help us achieve that goal. I firmly believe we will,” Sammy added.
CWI also confirmed that Gudakesh Motie returns to the squad after completing a development stint in South Africa, including participation in the SA20. Johnson Charles has been named as the squad’s backup wicketkeeper, based on the available player pool.
Captain Shai Hope described World Cups as “special” and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to make a deep run in the tournament.
“We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting, and quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions on any given day to help us compete and win matches consistently,” Hope said.
The West Indies will open their campaign on February 7 against Scotland in Kolkata.
