Cricket West Indies names star-studded 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, led by Shai Hope. Key players included, Evin Lewis excluded, featuring power hitters, all-rounders, and IPL-experienced stars.
New Delhi: Cricket West Indies (CWI) revealed their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on January 26, 2026. The team is led by Shai Hope and includes all key stars, showing their intent to reclaim the title in the tournament, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host starting June 2026.
The same squad will also play a three-match T20I series against South Africa in Paarl starting January 27, 2026, as preparation. Earlier in January, the team tested some batting combinations in a series against Afghanistan.
Full Squad List
• Shai Hope (captain & wicket-keeper)
• Johnson Charles (wicket-keeper)
• 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
The team balances power hitters like Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, and Sherfane Rutherford with all-rounders such as Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, and Romario Shepherd. The bowling attack includes spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, along with pacers Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shepherd.
Key Inclusions and Strategy
Experienced players like Jason Holder, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd return to add depth for spin-friendly conditions in the subcontinent. New additions include Quentin Sampson, replacing Alzarri Joseph, and pacer Shamar Joseph.
Six players with IPL experience—Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Sherfane Rutherford, and Gudakesh Motie—strengthen the team’s firepower. CWI aims to field an experienced squad to handle spin-friendly pitches, with Shai Hope’s leadership bringing stability.
Notable Exclusions
Evin Lewis misses out despite recent good form, while Alzarri Joseph is replaced by Quentin Sampson. Veteran players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Kieron Pollard are absent, either due to non-selection or retirement from the T20 format.
Reactions and Outlook
Media outlets have called it a “bold and largely experienced” squad. Fans on X are debating Shai Hope’s leadership and whether the team can bring the trophy back to the Caribbean. The West Indies plan to use their powerful hitters and all-rounders to make an impact in the tournament. The ICC allows final changes to squads until May 2026.
