Shai Hope to lead as West Indies name 15-men squad for World Cup Qualifier 2023

West Indies have failed to qualify for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in India directly, and will play the Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

West Indies have announced their squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and the upcoming three-match series against UAE, including all-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. The two players last played an ODI in July 2022 but missed the New Zealand series that followed due to injuries. However, Shimron Hetmyer was not selected for either squad.

Four uncapped players included in West Indies squad for UAE series as preparation for ODI World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe

Four uncapped players, namely left-handed batter Alick Athanaze, along with all-rounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan, are also part of the roster for the UAE series to be played in Sharjah, which will form an important part of the preparation for the ODI World Cup Qualifiers. Additionally, Keemo Paul, who made a comeback to domestic cricket in March by scoring 53 runs and taking 5 wickets for Guyana against Trinidad & Tobago in the four-day West Indies Championship, is presently with the Lucknow Super Giants as a net bowler during the IPL.

"Paul is a three-dimensional player, who can bowl the new ball effectively, he is dynamic in the outfield and he can also make vital runs," lead selector Desmond Haynes said. "He is now fully recovered from injury and with his skill set, we see him as a potential match-winner for us.

"Motie was excellent in the Test matches in Zimbabwe earlier this year, where he took 19 wickets, and we anticipate similar conditions for the qualifiers. We believe he will again relish the chance to bowl in those conditions. He is also a capable batsman and good in the outfield."

Shai Hope to lead West Indies in both assignments

Shai Hope has been appointed as the captain for both assignments, while Brandon King will serve as his deputy for the UAE series. Rovman Powell, who is currently playing in the IPL for Delhi Capitals, will take over as captain for the World Cup Qualifier.

In addition to Powell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, and Romario Shepherd will join Keemo Paul as part of the West Indies' IPL contingent in the World Cup Qualifier squad. They have all been granted permission to return to the Caribbean for a brief rest before departing for Zimbabwe.

"We see this as a crucial tournament as we look to secure one of the two places left in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India," Haynes said. "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. 

"For the matches against the UAE in Sharjah, this presents a chance for some other players who are not in the squad for the qualifiers to get an opportunity at the international level as we look to expose more players."

West Indies Squad for UAE series:

Shai Hope (c), Brandon King (vc), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas

West Indies Squad for World Cup Qualifier:

Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd