Are Lewis and Joseph Back as West Indies Announce Squad for Afghanistan T20Is?
Synopsis
Cricket West Indies has announced a 16-player squad for the T20 International series against Afghanistan, taking place in Dubai. The series is crucial for the team's preparations ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. With key players returning from injury, the squad aims to build confidence and assess talent before the major tournament.
Key Takeaways
Brandon King appointed as captain for the Afghanistan series.
Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis return from injury.
Alzarri Joseph is being monitored for his recovery.
Quentin Sampson earns his first international call-up.
This series is crucial for the team's preparation for the T20 World Cup.
St. Johns (Antigua), Jan 13 (NationPress) - Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a 16-member squad for the forthcoming three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, scheduled to occur at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium in the UAE from January 19-22.
This series is pivotal as it serves as a preparatory phase leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, commencing on February 7. The final roster for this much-anticipated tournament will be disclosed prior to the three-match T20I series against South Africa, which is set for January 27-31.
T20 Captain Shai Hope and key players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford are unavailable for selection due to their engagements in the ongoing SA20 tournament.
In Hope's absence, Brandon King takes over as captain. He has previously steered the West Indies in T20 Internationals, including during the home series against South Africa in early 2024, showcasing his extensive leadership experience.
Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis are making their return for this series after successfully completing their return-to-play protocols following previous injuries.
Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined by injury late in 2025, showed encouraging progress in his rehabilitation but has been omitted from the squad as a precaution after a medical assessment.
He will continue to be monitored to determine his eligibility for the World Cup squad. Quentin Sampson, recognized as the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, earns his first international call-up.
Sampson replaces Rovman Powell, who along with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, has been rested for this series as part of a workload management strategy.
Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized that this series is not only a crucial tuning opportunity ahead of the ICC World Cup but also aids in the reintegration of key players returning from prolonged absences.
“The chance to engage in competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is optimal for our preparations and confidence building as we approach what promises to be a fierce T20 World Cup. It also provides a valuable platform to evaluate players who have missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into critical roles for this series, prior to finalizing the squad for the international tournament,” Sammy stated.
The squad is scheduled to depart the Caribbean on January 14, with an expected arrival in the UAE on January 16.
West Indies squad for Afghanistan T20Is: Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the importance of this T20 series for the West Indies. It serves not only as a preparatory measure for the upcoming World Cup but also as a platform to reintegrate players returning from injuries. The strategic decisions taken by the coaching staff will be critical for the team's performance on the global stage.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the West Indies squad against Afghanistan?
Brandon King has been appointed captain in the absence of Shai Hope.
When does the T20 series against Afghanistan start?
The series is scheduled to begin on January 19 and will conclude on January 22.
Which players are returning from injury?
Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis have returned after clearing their return-to-play protocols.
Why is Alzarri Joseph not included in the squad?
Alzarri Joseph has not been included as a precaution following a medical review.
When will the final squad for the T20 World Cup be announced?
The final squad will be announced before the T20I series against South Africa, scheduled for January 27-31.
