New Delhi, September 18 (HS):
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Nepal, handing opportunities to as many as five uncapped players. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein has been appointed captain for the first time, as regular skipper Shai Hope and several senior players have been rested.
The fresh inclusions are top-order batter Ackeem Auguste, all-rounder Navin Bidaisee, leg-spinner Zeeshan Motara, left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds, and wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo. In addition, batter Karima Gore, who has previously represented the USA in eight T20 internationals, has been named in the squad and is in line for a potential West Indies debut.
Gore impressed the selectors with consistent performances in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, scoring 219 runs in 11 matches for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
The squad also features experienced campaigners Fabian Allen, Jason Holder, and Kyle Mayers. Notably, West Indies ‘A’ had toured Nepal in April 2024, where the hosts managed to secure two wins despite losing the series overall — a memorable outing that thrust Nepal into the international spotlight.
The three-match series will commence on September 27, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for September 29 and 30 in Sharjah.
West Indies squad for Nepal T20I series: Akeal Hosein (captain), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zeeshan Motara, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
