T20WC | Shamar Joseph earns debut T20 call-up as West Indies announce 15-man World Cup squad
West Indies announced their 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup to be staged in West Indies and USA. While Rovman Powell continues to be the captain of the side, Alzarri Joseph has been named as his deputy with Shamar Joseph earning a spot over Keemo Paul and Kyle Mayers.
Cricket West Indies scheduled a press conference in Bridgetown, Barbados to unveil their 15-man squad that the chairman of selectors, Dr. Desmond Haynes, believes has the “best chance to win the World Cup.”
Sportscafe learned that speedster Shamar Joseph had earned a call-up despite playing just three T20s without any scalps. Kyle Mayers, Oshane Thomas and Matthew Forde are some of the potential omissions from the group.
On enquiring about a possible new ball option, coach Daren Sammy emphasized the ability of Shamar Joseph and they were looking to cover up a role rather than look at individuals.
“This World Cup team was always going to be a difficult team to be picked. Matthew Forde played one or two T20s for us. He has had a good CPL, with the A team right now. When we look at roles, chief selectors felt that Shamar Joseph could fit the bill. He has the skills with the pace. When you look at the role, this is where he came ahead. Forde has been good for us and has been doing good for West Indies A.
Sportscafe also tried to get better clarity on Sunil Narine’s decision to not come out of retirement. Sammy responded that there have been communications with all the players who participate in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Narine is no exception. However, CWI expressed the ability of this squad to win the championship.
“Ever since I became coach, I had conversations with all players playing in the CPL. Yes, I had a conversation with Narine, I think I do with all players. You saw the post that Narine is retired and we as a selection group, we know we are quite happy with what we have able to come up with. I believe we are ready with what the squad we have come up with.”
West Indies are encapsulated in Group C with New Zealand, Afghanistan, PNG and Uganda. They will play their first game against PNG at the Providence Stadium, Guyana on June 2.
WI squad for T20 WC: Rovman Powell ©, Alzarri Joseph (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd