West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026; Shai Hope to lead
January 26, 2026 08:05 pm
West Indies have announced their squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The 15-member squad will be captained by Shai Hope.
Big names include former skipper Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, who will be expected to carry the West Indies’ hopes in the upcoming competition alongside captain Hope, who scored a century for the Pretoria Capitals in the recently concluded SA20.
Despite the balanced look of the squad, one feels they are thin on bowling. While Jason Holder and Roston Chase are experienced campaigners, and Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph are bright prospects, the two-time champions will have to punch above their weights, if they were to add another title to their tally.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament running through March 8. West Indies are placed in Group C alongside England, Italy, Scotland (following Bangladesh’s ban), and Nepal.
Their campaign starts on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where they take on Scotland in their opening group fixture. West Indies then face a crucial test against England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on February 11, followed by a match against Nepal on February 15, also at Wankhede.
With the tournament structured so that the top two teams from each group progress to the Super Eight round, West Indies will be aiming to secure at least three wins to progress to the next round.
- Agencies
Squad: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
