Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis return for West Indies T20Is against Afghanistan

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph and opener Evin Lewis have been named in West Indies’ 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Dubai from January 19 to 22.

T20I captain Shai Hope is unavailable due to commitments in the SA20 league, along with Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford.

Brandon King will lead the team in Hope’s absence, having previously captained West Indies in the home series against South Africa in early 2024.

The squad also includes a new face, Quentin Sampson, who earned his maiden international call-up after strong performances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, and Romario Shepherd were rested for workload management.

Shamar Joseph has been out of competitive cricket since September due to a shoulder discomfort, while Lewis returns after recovering from injury, last playing for West Indies in August 2025 against Pakistan. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph remains under medical assessment.

Head coach Darren Sammy said the Afghanistan series provides ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup and a chance to assess players returning from injury.

The squad is set to depart the Caribbean on January 14 and arrive in the UAE on January 16.

West Indies T20I squad: Brandon King (capt), 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.