Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named a 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be staged in India and Sri Lanka from February 6 to March 9.

CWI said the squad was selected following an extended evaluation process, with a strong focus on assembling a balanced group capable of handling the challenges of subcontinental conditions while competing at the highest level.

Head coach Daren Sammy, who captained West Indies to T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, said the selection reflects careful planning and a clear strategy for success at the global tournament.

“We have selected a squad with balance, extensive experience, and a touch of mystery,” Sammy said. “We’ve got X-factor where it counts, hungry newcomers pushing the seasoned heads, and a group ready to fight to make the region proud.”

Sammy added that conditions in India and Sri Lanka played a central role in shaping the final squad.

“We’ve thought long and hard about what it takes to win in India and Sri Lanka, and we’ve come up with the best team to help us achieve that goal,” he said. “I firmly believe we will.”

Spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the World Cup squad after a development stint in South Africa around the SA20 tournament, while Johnson Charles has been selected as the backup wicketkeeper. Selectors noted that Charles’ international experience and powerplay hitting ability also provide cover at the top of the order.

Middle-order batter Quentin Sampson has earned selection as another option in the lineup, while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph continues his return-to-play process following injury. 

Although Joseph has made significant progress, he has not yet been cleared for high-intensity competition and will continue working closely with Cricket West Indies’ medical and performance teams.

Captain Shai Hope said representing the region at a World Cup remains a special opportunity and expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to make a deep run in the tournament.

“World Cups are special, and as a player you want to play on the biggest stages possible,” Hope said. “This is an experienced group of players, and we are no strangers to playing in these conditions. We’ve got plenty of power and skill in the batting and quality bowlers who can adapt to conditions on any given day to help us compete and win matches consistently.”

The West Indies squad has assembled in South Africa for a three-match T20 International series against the Proteas from January 27 to 31. The series will serve as the team’s final preparation ahead of the opening fixtures of the T20 World Cup.