Sarwan, Simmons headline Masters World Cup Squad

The Over-40s Masters Cricket World Cup will be held in Guyana from Oct. 17–31, for which a 29-man provisional West Indies squad has been selected.

The squad is headlined by former West Indies players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Denesh Ramdin, and Lendl Simmons, along with other experienced players like Devendra Bishoo and Narsingh Deonarine. The final squad of 16–18 players will be announced by the Cricket West Indies Masters Association.

Former West Indies Cricket Captain Ramnaresh Ronnie Sarwan poses in front of an international drinks bar in his Providence, Guyana RS53 RestoBar & Grill. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Carefully chosen, the team blends former international cricketers with strong regional players. This selection aims to maximize home advantage in Guyana.

Spin bowling is expected to be the team’s main strength. The squad includes several experienced spinners, such as Bishoo, Neil McGarrell, Sunil Dhaniram, Antonnel Atwell, Rakesh Maharaj, and Deonarine, who are ready to take advantage of the country’s low, turning pitches.

Imran Khan of Guyana and Imran Khan of Trinidad & Tobago provide additional support. This gives the selectors multiple slow-bowling options from each region.

Sarwan, Simmons, Sunil Dhaniram, and Sewnarine Chattergoon lead the solid, experienced batting lineup. Additional support with both bat and ball comes from former West Indies wicketkeeper Ramdin and Rayad Emrit.

Manager Daniel Sadeo expressed confidence that the squad has the right balance to perform well.

The West Indies team will be aiming to go one step further after finishing as runners-up in last year’s tournament in Pakistan.

Competing against up to 16 international teams, they will face major cricketing nations. These include Australia, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa.

“We’ve selected experience with a plan. Guyana rewards discipline and spin; we have that in abundance. Fitness will be managed, but cricket IQ is paramount. This squad knows how to win on these tracks,” Sadeo said.

WEST INDIES OVER-40s PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Denesh Ramdin, Narsingh Deonarine, Rayad Emrit, Devendra Bishoo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Antonnel Atwell, Lawrence Farnum, Larry Babb, Devon Clements, Sunil Dhaniram, Lendl Simmons, Shazam Ramjohn, Reno Mittleholtzer, Dale Richards, Imran Khan (Guyana), Neil McGarrell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devi Maharaj, Asif Chan, Randy Thomas, Imran Khan (Trinidad & Tobago), Vic Mahabeer, Randy Ramanan, Ryan Nurse, Rakesh Maharaj, Jieunick Mingo, Rudy Hinds, Trevon Garraway.