West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Quentin Sampson and Shamar Joseph Earn Selection as Windies Eye Third Title

The West Indies Cricket Board has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, blending youthful exuberance with battle-tested experience as the two-time champions look to reclaim their throne on the global stage.

Quentin Sampson: The Exciting New Addition

The most eye-catching selection in the squad is 25-year-old Guyanese power-hitter Quentin Sampson, who earns his spot on the back of an impressive Caribbean Premier League 2025 campaign. Despite modest returns of just 35 runs across three innings in his recent T20I debut against Afghanistan in Dubai, the selectors have shown faith in his explosive potential.

Sampson was Guyana Amazon Warriors' third-highest run-scorer in CPL 2025, amassing 241 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 151.57. This aggressive approach aligns perfectly with West Indies' traditionally fearless brand of T20 cricket, making him a calculated gamble that could pay rich dividends.

Shamar Joseph Returns to the Fold

Fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph has been included following a challenging period marked by injuries and limited game time. The 26-year-old, who featured in two matches against Afghanistan, missed the tour of India through injury and subsequently sat out the ODI series against Bangladesh after experiencing shoulder discomfort in training.

Prior to the Afghanistan assignment, Joseph's competitive cricket was limited to just five appearances in Guyana Amazon Warriors' 12 CPL 2025 matches. His inclusion represents both a reward for his talent and a vote of confidence in his fitness ahead of the marquee tournament.

Key Players Return from SA20 Commitments

The squad receives a significant boost with the return of several first-choice players who missed the Afghanistan series due to SA20 obligations:

• Captain Shai Hope returns to lead the side
• Roston Chase adds batting depth and spin options
• Akeal Hosein bolsters the spin attack
• Sherfane Rutherford provides middle-order firepower

Experience Recalled

Former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell, along with all-rounder Romario Shepherd, have been recalled after being rested for the recent Afghanistan assignment. Their presence adds invaluable experience and leadership depth to the squad.

Bowling Arsenal Analysis

The pace department features a potent combination of youth and experience:

• Jason Holder - veteran all-rounder with World Cup pedigree
• Shamar Joseph - express pace when fully fit
• Matthew Forde - emerging quick
• Jayden Seales - Test quality in shorter formats

The spin attack is headlined by left-arm orthodox specialist Akeal Hosein, with Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie providing crucial support and variety.

Notable Omissions

Two prominent names missing from the squad are left-handed opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph. Both players have struggled with injuries in recent times, and their absence leaves a gap in experience that the selectors hope the new inclusions can fill.

Championship Experience in Abundance

The squad carries considerable T20 World Cup pedigree, with 11 players from the victorious 2024 home World Cup campaign returning for this edition. This continuity provides a solid foundation of players who know what it takes to win on cricket's biggest stage.

Group Stage Challenge

West Indies find themselves in Group C alongside:

• England
• Scotland
• Nepal
• Italy

The two-time champions will open their campaign on the tournament's first day, February 7, against Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata – the very venue where they lifted their last World Cup trophy. This poetic fixture offers the Windies an opportunity to begin their title defense on familiar, hallowed ground.

Looking Ahead

With a balanced mix of explosive batting, varied bowling options, and the invaluable experience of multiple World Cup winners, West Indies enter the tournament as genuine contenders. The inclusion of exciting talents like Sampson alongside proven match-winners gives captain Shai Hope multiple options to construct winning combinations.

The Caribbean side's aggressive, fearless brand of T20 cricket has yielded two World Cup triumphs, and with this squad, they possess the tools to challenge for a historic third title. All eyes will be on Eden Gardens on February 7 as the Windies begin their quest for glory.