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West Indies white-ball head coach Daren Sammy hopes to use a tour of Nepal to refine his options for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as Cricket West Indies announced a 15-man A team squad today.
The excursion marks the first time that West Indies will travel to Nepal and the Caribbean tourists will be led by Roston Chase, who makes his debut as captain.
(via CWI Media)
CWI lead selector Desmond Haynes said the tour, which will run between 25 April and 15 May, “holds significant importance as it serves as another phase in preparation leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024”.
“It presents an invaluable opportunity to get our players who are not in the IPL back on the park playing competitive T20 cricket,” Haynes told the CWI Media, “as well as provides the chance for us to expose a few emerging prospects.”
He also credited Chase for his improvements in the limited overs game.
“Chase has exhibited over the past few years an impressive work ethic and proven leadership qualities,” said Haynes. “No doubt since Chase made his T20I debut in October 2021 against Bangladesh, he has continued to make considerable strides.”
(Copyright Randy Brooks – CPL T20/Getty Images)
At present, there are 10 West Indies players competing in the IPL: Shai Hope (Delhi Capitals), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford (all KKR), Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers (LSG), Romario Shepherd (both Mumbai Indians), Alzarri Joseph (RCB), Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell (both RR).
However, Narine, 35, has ruled out representing the West Indies at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sammy suggested that the other nine IPL-based players are in the frame to play at the upcoming ICC competition. The Nepal tour offers a chance for the remaining West Indies players to stake their claim.
“From a coaching perspective, the Nepal tour couldn’t have come at a more opportune time,” said Sammy. “It offers us a chance to refine our World Cup squad, defining roles and personnel more clearly. “Additionally, with nine players in the IPL, we can truly gauge and push the limits of our T20 team’s depth.”
(Photo by Randy Brooks – CPL T20/Getty Images)
Batsman Brandon King is ruled out of the Nepal tour, as he rehabilitates from an injury sustained during the West Indies Championship. The CWI Media revealed that opening batsman Evin Lewis “advised that he was unavailable for selection”.
Pacer Jason Holder, spinner Akeal Hosein and allrounder Odean Smith were among the players who were not selected for the Nepal tour.
Sammy has until 1 May to submit the West Indies squad for the T20 World Cup. Prior to the tournament, the West Indies will host South Africa in a three-match T20 series from 22 – 26 May.
West Indies A squad: Roston Chase (captain), Alick Athanaze (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Kadeem Alleyne, Joshua Bishop, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Mark Deyal, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh.
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