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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 3 T20Is vs Afghanistan in Dubai, Jan 19-22
- 2🏆 Brandon King captains sans Shai Hope (SA20 duty)
- 3💡 Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis return; Quentin Sampson debut
- 4🔮 Crucial tune-up for T20WC 2026 starting Feb 7
"The short tour forms a pivotal part of the Windies’ preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on 7 February."
West Indies kick off their T20 World Cup 2026 build-up with a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Dubai from January 19, announcing a 16-member squad led by Brandon King in place of unavailable skipper Shai Hope.
Star Returns and Fresh Faces
Evin Lewis blasts back as opener, while Shamar Joseph adds fire to the pace attack alongside Jayden Seales and debutant Quentin Sampson. The lineup blends experience with Shimron Hetmyer's flair, Johnson Charles's power, and all-rounders like Justin Greaves and Shamar Springer. Spinners Gudakesh Motie and Khary Pierre bolster the middle overs.
Full squad: Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, Shimron Hetmyer.
This neutral-venue showdown sharpens blades for the T20WC opener on February 7, testing combinations sans SA20 stars like Roston Chase. King, with prior leadership chops, eyes a strong start to reclaim Caribbean T20 dominance.
