New Delhi: Shai Hope has been named captain of the two-time champions West Indies for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7. The Caribbean squad blends experience with fresh faces, with rookie batter Quentin Sampson and fast bowler Shamar Joseph earning selection for the marquee tournament.
Several senior players have also returned to the side. Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd and Rovman Powell are back after missing West Indies’ recent three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which the team lost 1-2, due to other T20 league commitments.
Hope himself did not feature in that series as he was participating in the recently concluded SA20 league in South Africa.
Core of World Cup squad retained
West Indies selectors have shown continuity by retaining 11 players from the previous T20 World Cup, which was held in the Americas. The upcoming edition will feature 20 teams, making it one of the largest T20 World Cups to date.
West Indies are one of the most successful teams in the format, having lifted the trophy twice — in 2012 and 2016 under the leadership of Daren Sammy, who now serves as the team’s head coach.
Group stage and fixtures
The Caribbean side has been placed in Group C, alongside former champions England, debutants Italy, Nepal, and Scotland. Scotland replaced Bangladesh in the group after the latter declined to travel to India for the tournament.
As part of their build-up, West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series from January 27 to 31.
Their T20 World Cup campaign begins against Scotland on February 7 in Kolkata.
West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026
- Shai Hope (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Johnson Charles (Wicketkeeper)
- Roston Chase
- Matthew Forde
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Jason Holder
- Akeal Hossein
- Shamar Joseph
- Brandon King
- Gudakesh Motie
- Rovman Powell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Quentin Sampson
- Jayden Seales
- Romario Shepherd
With a mix of proven match-winners and emerging talent, West Indies will be aiming to reclaim their reputation as one of the most feared sides in T20 cricket.