Quentin Sampson earns a spot in T20 World Cup squad after strong CPL 2025 performance and T20I debut against Afghanistan
New Delhi: The West Indies Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The selectors have picked a balanced team that blends experience with fresh talent. Shai Hope will lead the side as captain, with the goal of guiding West Indies to their third T20 World Cup title, after earlier triumphs in 2012 and 2016.
Shai Hope Takes Charge as Captain
The selectors have handed over the captaincy to Shai Hope, rewarding his consistency and experience in white-ball cricket. Although Hope missed the recent T20I series against Afghanistan due to SA20 league commitments, the board backed him to lead the side on the biggest stage. His calm approach and strong batting record make him a key figure as West Indies chase global success once again.
Senior Players Return to Strengthen the Squad
Several experienced players have returned after missing the Afghanistan series due to rest and workload management. Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd are back in the squad, adding depth in both batting and bowling. Holder’s all-round abilities, Powell’s power-hitting, and Shepherd’s pace-bowling skills are expected to play an important role in tough World Cup conditions.
Young Talent Earns World Cup Call-Up
One of the notable selections is Quentin Sampson, a 25-year-old batter from Guyana. Sampson made his T20I debut against Afghanistan, scoring 35 runs across three innings. While his international numbers are modest so far, the selectors were impressed by his Caribbean Premier League 2025 performance, where he scored 241 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 151.57. His aggressive batting style suits the demands of T20 cricket.
Bowling Attack Offers Variety and Balance
West Indies have picked a well-rounded bowling unit to handle different conditions in India and Sri Lanka. Shamar Joseph returns after overcoming injury concerns and adds raw pace and bounce. He is supported by Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde, giving the team strong fast-bowling options.
In spin and all-round departments, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, and Roston Chase provide control, flexibility, and batting depth. This mix allows West Indies to adapt their playing XI based on pitch and opposition.
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Key Players Who Missed Out
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph did not make the squad due to ongoing injury and limited match fitness. His absence is a setback, but selectors chose players who are fully fit and match-ready. Explosive opener Evin Lewis also missed selection because of recent struggles with form and fitness.
West Indies Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The full 15-member squad includes:
- Shai Hope (Captain)
- Johnson Charles
- Brandon King
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Roston Chase
- Jason Holder
- Rovman Powell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
- Quentin Sampson
- Akeal Hosein
- Gudakesh Motie
- Shamar Joseph
- Jayden Seales
- Matthew Forde
Match Schedule Released
West Indies will start their World Cup journey on the opening day and will play four group-stage matches in Kolkata and Mumbai:
February 7, 2026: West Indies vs Scotland – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
February 11, 2026: England vs West Indies – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
February 15, 2026: West Indies vs Nepal – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
February 19, 2026: West Indies vs Italy – Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Group and Opening Match
West Indies are placed in Group C along with England, Scotland, Nepal, and Italy. They will start their campaign against Scotland at Eden Gardens, the same venue where they won the T20 World Cup in 2016.
Ready for Challenge
West Indies recently lost the T20I series against Afghanistan 1–2, but many senior players were absent. The selectors used the series to test new talent and now believe the final squad has the right balance of experience and youth. Fans will be watching to see if this team can bring back the World Cup trophy.
