QUALIFIERS’ SQUAD
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel recently named the squad to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. The eight-team tournament will be played in Zimbabwe from June 18, as the West Indies team looks to secure one of two final places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be played in India later this year.
Trinidad and Tobago’s former West Indies white ball captain Nicholas Pooran and compatriot spin duo Yannic Cariah and Akeal Hosein were among a 15-member squad selected to participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.
West Indies Nicholas Pooran, right, Brandon King run between the wickets during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and West Indies at the National Stadium, in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. Photo by Associated Press/Fareed Khan, file
Cariah was the only T&T player selected for the UAE tour. These matches will form part of the preparations for the qualifiers.
Bajan wicket-keeper / batsman Shai Hope captains both squads. Jamaican Rovman Powell is vice captain of the World Cup Qualifier team.
Six of those selected for the qualifier competition are currently participating in the Indian Premier League T20. They are Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein, Yannic Cariah, Alzarri Joseph, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd. The IPL is scheduled to conclude on May 28.
CWI has given permission to players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to return to the Caribbean for a short break before heading to Zimbabwe for the qualification tournament.
All-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who last played in ODI’s last July against India were recalled. Additionally, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Brandon King and Kyle Mayers were also added to the set-up.
On the team’s selection for the qualifiers, CWI lead selector Dr Desmond Haynes said, “We see this as a crucial tournament as we look to secure one of the two places left. Therefore, we have selected a balanced team which we believe is well-equipped to get the job done in the conditions we anticipate in Zimbabwe.”
He added it would be a “challenging ” tournament, “intense and competitive ” but believes the players are fully aware of the job at hand. “We are happy with the preparations and the mindset of the players, and everyone is clear about their roles in the squad,” he said.
