New Delhi, 13 January (H.S.): Cricket West Indies announced a 16-member squad on Tuesday for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, appointing Brandon King as captain in the absence of regular skipper Shai Hope. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph and explosive opener Evin Lewis mark their return, bolstered by medical clearance.

According to Cricket West Indies, Hope, along with Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford, remain unavailable due to commitments in the ongoing SA20 league. While Joseph and Lewis recovered from injuries, pacer Alzarri Joseph was excluded as a precautionary measure, with his fitness under continuous monitoring for potential T20 World Cup selection.

Breakout 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) performer Quentin Sampson earns his international debut, replacing Rovman Powell. All-rounders Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd received rest under workload management protocols.The series, scheduled from January 19 to 22 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE, serves as crucial preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup starting February 6.

West Indies' final World Cup squad will be finalized before their preceding T20I series against South Africa from January 27 to 31.

West Indies T20I Squad Against Afghanistan:

Brandon King (Captain), Alick Athanaze, KC Carihibbe, 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.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar