West Indies name Brandon King as captain for T20I series vs Afghanistan ahead of T20 World Cup, several key players rested or unavailable

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced their 16-member squad for the three-T20I series against Afghanistan leading up to the T20 World Cup 2026. In Shai Hope’s absence due to SA20 commitments, Brandon King has been named captain. Fit-again Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis have returned as several players are either playing in SA20 2025-26 or have been rested by the team management.

Alongside Hope, the ones who will be busy playing in the SA20 are Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford. The ones rested are Jason Holder, Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd.

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King’s T20I captaincy record

This is not the first time King will be leading West Indies in T20Is. The last time he did it was in 2024 against South Africa which the Caribbean side won 3-0. King is yet to lose a T20I as captain.

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Maiden call-up for CPL’s rising star

Quentin Sampson who had a breakout Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season for Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) has earned his maiden call-up. He scored 241 runs from nine innings at an average of 34.42 and strike rate of 151.57, including two fifties.

Star played still injured

West Indies' fifth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Alzarri Joseph is yet to regain full fitness. He hasn't got the return-to-play green light. His absence from the squad is a precautionary measure.

Head coach Daren Sammy’s message

Sammy is looking to fine-tune the squad ahead of the mega event. West Indies are two-time T20 World Cup winners. West Indies have not made it to the semifinals since 2016 when they won the title on Indian soil.

“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup," Sammy said in a CWI release.

"It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who would’ve missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournament.”

West Indies’ squad for T20I series vs Afghanistan -

Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.

When will Afghanistan vs West Indies T20I series begin?

The three-T20I series between Afghanistan and West Indies will begin on January 19. All T20Is will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The series opener will be played on January 19. The remaining two T20Is will played on consecutive days (January 21 and 22).