ESPNcricinfo Staff
West Indies international Shimron Hetmyer has been named in the 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. A surprise call-up was also given to 24-year-old fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who has only played three T20 matches and is yet to make his international debut in the format.
Hetmyer literally missed his flight to the 2022 T20 World Cup, but has since rejoined the West Indies squad. Alzarri Joseph has been named as captain Rovman Powell’s replacement, while Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell and Jason Holder are also named in the squad.
When asked if Sunil Narine, an all-rounder in the ongoing IPL, would be a candidate, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy said he had spoken to Narine before finalizing the squad. He replied that he would remain retired from the national team. Sammy also said that the CWI has requested the BCCI to release West Indies players from the ongoing IPL as soon as possible.
Shamar is one of several West Indies players to take part in the IPL, having made a name for himself with his astonishing seven-wicket haul that helped West Indies to a historic Test win at the Gabba. He was signed by Lucknow Super Giants as a substitute but had a difficult debut, conceding 47 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders. He has conceded 9.91 runs in three T20s and is yet to take a wicket.
West Indies are in Group C along with Papua New Guinea (PNG), Uganda, New Zealand and Afghanistan. The first two games will be in Providence, Guyana, against Papua New Guinea on June 2nd and against Uganda on June 8th. They will then face New Zealand at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium on June 12, before playing their final group game against Afghanistan in St. Petersburg on June 17. Lucia.
West Indies national team preparing for T20 World Cup
Rovman Powell (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (VC), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd. , Jason Holder, Aqeel Hossain, Gudakesh Moti, Sherfan Rutherford