The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel has officially unveiled the squad that will compete in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Set to take place in Zimbabwe from June 18, this eight-team tournament holds the key to securing the last two coveted spots in the forthcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India later this year. West Indies World Cup Squad.
In anticipation of the qualifiers, the West Indies team will engage in a three-match One Day International (ODI) Series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah. The Selection Panel has also revealed the squad for these matches, which are slated for June 5, 7, and 9. These ODI fixtures serve as crucial components of the team’s preparatory phase leading up to the qualifiers. Notably, the CWI has granted players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) the permission to briefly return to the Caribbean for a much-needed break before converging in Zimbabwe for the all-important qualification tournament. West Indies World Cup Squad.
As the squad composition is unveiled, it becomes apparent that allrounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie have earned recalls to the team. Their last appearance in ODIs was in July of the preceding year, during a series against India in Trinidad. Additionally, the squad selected for the three ODIs in Sharjah introduces an exciting mix, featuring four uncapped players. This quartet includes left-handed batter Alick Athanaze, along with allrounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan. The West Indies team is not only focused on the qualifiers but is also actively fine-tuning their game through the ODI Series against the UAE. Scheduled to unfold on June 5, 7, and 9, these matches serve as a vital facet of the team’s preparation for the impending qualifiers. Acknowledging the demanding schedule of players engaged in the Indian Premier League, the CWI has thoughtfully extended permission for them to briefly return to the Caribbean for respite before embarking on their journey to Zimbabwe. This strategic interlude underscores the CWI’s commitment to optimizing the team’s performance and ensuring player well-being. West Indies World Cup Squad.
In essence, the CWI Men’s Selection Panel’s announcement ushers in a period of intense preparation and anticipation for the West Indies cricket team. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers on the horizon, the team’s dynamic combination of seasoned players and emerging talents seeks to clinch the prized World Cup berths. As the cricketing world awaits the unfolding drama in Zimbabwe, the West Indies team is gearing up to leave an indelible mark on the path to cricketing glory.
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Team West Indies List for ICC World Cup 2023
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel made a significant announcement on Friday, disclosing the Men’s squad set to partake in the imminent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Of particular note, the West Indies cricket team is poised to enter an eight-team tournament in Zimbabwe, slated to commence on June 18. Their primary objective is to secure one of the two remaining coveted slots for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, a prestigious event scheduled to grace the cricketing landscape in India later this year. West Indies World Cup Squad.
With the players’ well-being in mind, the CWI has thoughtfully sanctioned a brief reprieve for those currently engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL), enabling them to return to the Caribbean before embarking on their journey to Zimbabwe for the high-stakes qualification tournament. The inclusion of bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul is a notable highlight. Paul, who last represented the West Indies in an ODI match back in July of the previous year, brings his multifaceted skills to the team. Similarly, the accomplished Gudakesh Motie, whose commendable performance during the team’s Test tour of Zimbabwe earlier in the year garnered attention, has earned a place in the squad.
In preparation for the qualifiers, the West Indies team will partake in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah. These contests, set to unfold on June 5th, 7th, and 9th, are pivotal components of the team’s groundwork leading up to the consequential qualifiers. Notably, due to the IPL commitments of certain players, four uncapped players—Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan—have been introduced into the squad for the UAE series. The West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Squad comprises a dynamic mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, reflecting the team’s strategic approach to securing their spot in the imminent World Cup. Among those returning to the squad are allrounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who last featured in ODIs in July against India in Trinidad. Furthermore, the upcoming three ODIs in Sharjah will witness the debut of four promising players—left-handed batter Alick Athanaze, as well as all-rounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan. West Indies World Cup Squad.
The Lead Selector, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes, offered insights into the selections, emphasizing Paul’s prowess as a three-dimensional player capable of pivotal contributions in various facets of the game. Additionally, Motie’s proficiency as a spinner and his commendable performance in Zimbabwe’s Test matches earlier in the year rendered him a valuable asset for the upcoming qualifiers. Dr Haynes remarked, “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.” He expressed confidence in the balanced and equipped squad’s ability to thrive in Zimbabwe’s anticipated conditions, highlighting the team’s growth and unity witnessed during the ODI Series in South Africa earlier in the year. West Indies World Cup Squad.
In conclusion, Dr. Haynes underscored the importance of the tournament, acknowledged its intense competitiveness, and commended the players’ preparedness and commitment. He also highlighted the UAE series as a platform for emerging talents to gain international exposure, contributing to the team’s overall growth and development. As the West Indies cricket team readies itself for the qualifiers, their blend of experience and fresh talent promises an exhilarating journey towards securing a place in the coveted ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.