The Cricket West Indies has announced a 15-member squad for the T20 International series against Nepal, scheduled at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from September 27-30.
The series, which falls outside the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, will help West Indies prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in subcontinent conditions, the Cricket West Indies said.
Selectors have included several emerging players who impressed in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League and the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, while some senior players have been rested.
Akeal Hosein will captain the squad, which features six potential debutants. Rayon Griffith will lead the Team Management Unit as Head Coach, with Ottis Gibson serving as fast-bowling consultant.
“This series against Nepal is another important step in broadening the horizons of West Indies cricket,” said CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe. “It allows our senior men’s team to engage with a passionate emerging nation while providing invaluable match experience in different conditions.”
The squad includes Akeal Hosein (Captain), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisse, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds and Shamar Springer.
On September 15, the Cricket Association of Nepal announced a 16-member team.
The squad will be captained by Rohit Kumar Paudel with the world’s No 3 T20I all-rounder, Dipendra Singh Airee, as the vice captain.
Left-arm spinner Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, who was bereaved of his mother last month and missed the Top End T20 Series and five friendlies in Australia, is also returning to action.
Rajbanshi has 29 wickets in his 31 appearances for the Rhinos in T20Is, making him the sixth-most wicket-taker for the national side in the shortest format.
The other members in the squad include Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Mohammad Adil Alam, Aarif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Gulsan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane and Shahab Alam.
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