West Indies, the two-time World champions, have revealed their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, set to be co-hosted in the Caribbean and the USA. Rovman Powell will lead the team in this global tournament.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of pace bowler Shamar Joseph, who showcased his talent during his Test debut against Australia earlier this year and now earns a spot in the T20I squad. However, Kyle Mayers, who featured in the series against Australia, surprisingly misses out on selection.
The T20I squad is packed with power hitters like Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd, capable of dismantling any bowling attack on their day. Placed in Group C alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda, the two-time champions will commence their campaign on June 2 against Papua New Guinea in Guyana.
West Indies becomes the tenth team to unveil their lineup for the World Cup, joining the ranks of India, New Zealand, England, Australia, and South Africa. Akeal Hossain and Gudakesh Motie will handle the spin department, while vice-captain Joseph will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Alzarri Joseph.
Having clinched the T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, West Indies aims to reclaim the glory they held before England’s triumph in 2022. Despite their absence from the main event in the previous Australian tournament, they are determined to make a mark this time.
Director of West Indies Cricket, Desmond Haynes, emphasized the importance of strategic selection, particularly regarding players like Shamar Joseph, whose performance in Australia reinforced his candidacy. Haynes acknowledged the tough decisions, especially regarding Kyle Mayers and Shimron Hetmyer, but highlighted the team’s focus on reinforcing the batting lineup.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled from June 1-29, with the USA facing Canada in the opening match at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. 55 games will be played across 9 venues, culminating in the final on June 29 in Barbados.
Squad: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hossain, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd