Shamar Joseph returns as West Indies announce squad for T20I series against Afghanistan

Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis are all set to return to international action as the West Indies have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in the UAE.

West Indies have named Brandon King as their captain for the series, as their designated skipper, Shai Hope, is currently busy playing for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20. Notably, King has a spotless record as captain in T20Is as he has won three out of as many games in which he has led the Men in Maroon.

Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, and Roston Chase were also unavailable for selection as they too are plying their trade in South Africa's premier T20 competition.

Quentin Sampson has earned his maiden international call-up following a stellar Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 season with the willow in hand. Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors, Sampson aggregated 241 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 151.57 and an average of 34.42, including two fifties.

Head coach Daren Sammy sees series against Afghanistan as ideal prep for T20 World Cup 

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy feels the series against Afghanistan will help their side to zero in on their combination for the T20 World Cup 2026.

"The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup," head coach Daren Sammy was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. "It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series."

West Indies squad for T20I series against Afghanistan

Brandon King (c), 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