Cricket West Indies Unveils 15-Man T20World CupSquad With Record 5 Guyanese Players

Cricket West Indies has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the Caribbean nations and the USA. The squad, led by Rovman Powell, features a record five Guyanese players, including uncapped pacer Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Shimron Hetmyer.

The squad announcement took place during a press conference in Barbados, with Chief Selector Desmond Haynes and Head Coach Daren Sammy present. Haynes expressed his confidence in the team, stating, "This is a very good time in West Indies cricket. I believe that we've got a team that can win this World Cup and I feel damn good about this."

Shamar Joseph, a 24-year-old Guyanese fast bowler, has been included in the squad despite having only three official Twenty20 matches under his belt and no international debut in the format. Haynes and Sammy believe he has the skills to make an impact, with Haynes stating, "You really can't question Shamar Joseph's skills. You saw him in Australia. We were looking at someone up front bowling the first Power Play, and he ticks the boxes."

Shimron Hetmyer, a Guyanese left-handed batsman, has earned a recall after being dropped during the series against England last Christmas and overlooked in January for the Tour of Australia. Kyle Mayers, a Barbadian ambidextrous all-rounder, was a close contender for selection but ultimately missed out to Hetmyer.

The West Indies squad boasts a strong lineup of big hitters and all-rounders, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd. Akeal Hossain and Gudakesh Motie form the spin-bowling department, while the pace battery will be led by vice-captain Alzarri Joseph.

The West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions (2012 and 2016), will contest Group C of the global showpiece alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, and two ICC Associate teams, Papua New Guinea and Uganda. The Caribbean side is scheduled to kick off its title charge against Papua New Guinea on June 2 in Guyana.

Head Coach Daren Sammy expressed his excitement about the team's preparations, saying,"We've had preparations for the last year. The majority of the players we had them involved and they were very successful. This is a very exciting time for us and I would hope that everyone in the Caribbean and all theWest Indiesfans support us because this is our best chance. "With a strong squad and the backing of their fans, the West Indies will aim to make a powerful impact in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and reclaim their position as champions of the shortest format of the game.

Key Takeaways

• Cricket West Indies announces 15-man squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
• Rovman Powell leads the team, featuring a record 5 Guyanese players.
• Uncapped pacer Shamar Joseph and Shimron Hetmyer earn selection.
• West Indies aim to reclaim T20 World Cup title in co-hosted tournament.
• Team kicks off campaign against Papua New Guinea on June 2 in Guyana.