West Indies T20I Squad Vs Sri Lanka Announced; 3 T20 World Cup 2026 Players Dropped

West Indies players during T20 World Cup 2026. Credits- AFP

On Monday, the Cricket West Indies announced a strong T20I squad for the three-match T20I leg against the touring Sri Lanka. The board has decided to drop three key players from their T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Under the astute leadership of Shai Hope, the West Indies fell just short of reaching the semifinal of the marquee tournament that was hosted in India earlier this year.

If they had not lost to the eventual winners, Men in Blue, and South Africa in the Super 8, the story could have been different for the Windies. Nevertheless, they remained unbeaten in the group stages.

Rain ruled, but SL won ODI series

The recently concluded ODI fold didn't let the Windies showcase themselves against Sri Lanka.

In the first ODI, the visitors posted a mammoth total of 303/7 at Kingston against Shai Hope's men. The skipper led from the front for his 56, while Justin Greaves slammed an authorative 45. However, they were mustered for 262/10 in 49.2 overs, losing the first match by 41 runs.

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The second and third ODIs, scheduled at the same venue, got washed out even without a single ball bowled. As a result, the Islanders won the ODIs 1-0.

Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson dropped from T20I squad

After the ODI series, the caravan would stay at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. The hosts board has announced a strong 15-member squad, while reinstating Shai Hope as captain.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been rested as part of workload management plans ahead of the two Test matches against Sri Lanka.

"Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was not considered for selection as part of workload management plans and will continue his training and preparation ahead of the two-match test series being held in Antigua," the Cricket West Indies said in a press release.

Moreover, Johnson Charles and Quentin Sampson, who were also member of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, have been dropped. The board has not mentioned any reasoning behind the deselection.

Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer have been named instead of the above mentioned.

"Exciting young batting talents Ackeem Auguste and Jewel Andrew, along with all-rounder Shamar Springer, are the three changes to the squad that featured at the global event in India and Sri Lanka, where the “Men in Maroon” fell just short of reaching the semi-finals," the release added.

Players like IPL performers like Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd will join the Men in Maroon after missing the ODIs.