Brandon King Takes the Helm: Shamar Joseph Returns for Afghanistan T20I Series

Brandon King will captain the 16-member West Indies squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, as announced by the cricket board on Tuesday. Notable returns to the team include Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis.

With T20 captain Shai Hope and seasoned players Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford unavailable due to their commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournament, the squad sees some changes.

Joseph and Lewis, who were previously sidelined by injuries, have been declared fit to play. However, Alzarri Joseph remains out as a precaution while he continues his recovery. “He will be monitored and assessed for potential inclusion in the World Cup squad,” stated Cricket West Indies.

Quentin Sampson, recognized as the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, has received his first international call-up, stepping in for Rovman Powell. Powell, along with Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, is being rested for workload management reasons.

The series is slated to take place at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium in the UAE from January 19–22. It serves as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins on February 6. The final squad will be confirmed prior to the T20I series against South Africa scheduled for January 27–31.

West Indies squad vs Afghanistan

Brandon King (Captain), 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

Published on January 13, 2026