🌍 New Captain, Five Uncapped Players Named in West Indies Squad for Nepal T20Is
🏏 A Fresh Chapter for West Indies Cricket
The West Indies cricket team has announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah, starting September 27, 2025. With regular skipper Shai Hope rested, the leadership baton has been handed to left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who will captain the Windies across formats for the first time.
This announcement has made waves across the cricketing world, not just because of the captaincy change, but also because of the inclusion of five uncapped players. For a team historically known for producing world-class entertainers, this series represents both a testing ground for new talent and a strategic step in West Indies’ rebuilding process.
🔥 Key Highlights of the Squad
- Akeal Hosein named captain for the first time.
- Shai Hope rested after a busy calendar.
Five uncapped players included:
- Ackeem Auguste (top-order batter)
- Navin Bidaisee (batting all-rounder)
- Zishan Motara (leg-spinner)
- Ramon Simmonds (left-arm pacer)
- Amir Jangoo (wicketkeeper-batter)
- Karima Gore, USA international, earns maiden WI call-up.
- Veterans like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Fabian Allen provide balance.
- Series dates: Sept 27, 29, 30 in Sharjah.
🧢 Akeal Hosein – New Captain, New Era?
For years, West Indies cricket has looked for stable leadership. With Shai Hope taking a break, Akeal Hosein’s promotion is both bold and symbolic.
- Hosein has been one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in international cricket over the past three years.
- His performances in CPL 2025 and international series against big sides like India and Australia earned him respect.
- Now, leading the team for the first time, Hosein has the opportunity to showcase his tactical acumen.
This move also signals CWI’s willingness to experiment with leaders, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon.
🌟 Meet the Uncapped Players
1️⃣ Ackeem Auguste – The Stylish Top-Order Batter
- A product of West Indies U-19 setup, Auguste is known for his elegant stroke play.
- His ability to anchor innings will be tested in UAE’s slow pitches.
2️⃣ Navin Bidaisee – The Batting All-Rounder
- Strong domestic performer.
- Can hit long sixes while offering handy medium pace.
- Adds balance to the squad in middle-order batting.
3️⃣ Zishan Motara – The Leg-Spin Option
- Leg-spin is a rare commodity in WI cricket.
- Motara has been turning heads in regional T20 leagues with his googlies and flippers.
4️⃣ Ramon Simmonds – The Left-Arm Pacer
- Already known in CPL circuits.
- Brings pace and swing variety, especially useful under lights in Sharjah.
5️⃣ Amir Jangoo – The Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Consistent domestic run-scorer.
- A natural stroke maker who can accelerate in the death overs.
🌍 Karima Gore – From USA to West Indies
One of the most intriguing inclusions is Karima Gore, who has previously represented USA in eight T20Is.
- Gore has impressed in CPL 2025, scoring 219 runs in 11 matches for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
- Now with the Windies, Gore’s dual experience could help him adapt quickly.
- His selection highlights CWI’s open approach toward embracing talent with diverse backgrounds.
🏏 Experienced Core Still Intact
While this squad emphasizes fresh blood, veteran players remain crucial:
- Jason Holder – Brings stability with bat and ball.
- Kyle Mayers – Aggressive all-rounder, capable of turning matches single-handedly.
- Fabian Allen – Explosive lower-order batter and reliable spinner.
This blend ensures that youngsters aren’t left exposed without support.
🌐 CWI’s Long-Term Vision
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, described the series as part of a long-term development plan.
“This series against Nepal is another important step in broadening the horizons of West Indies cricket. It allows our senior men’s team to engage with a passionate emerging nation while providing invaluable match experience in different conditions.”
By taking on Nepal in Sharjah, WI players will adapt to:
- Slow, turning pitches similar to Asia’s subcontinent.
- Pressure of representing the Caribbean in new cricketing territories.
- Growing fan engagement in associate nations.
📊 Historical Context – WI vs Nepal
- In April 2024, West Indies A toured Nepal for five T20Is.
- The Windies won the series, but Nepal fought bravely with two victories.
- Nepal’s passion and spin-heavy bowling could trouble an inexperienced West Indies batting order.
⚔️ Key Battles to Watch
- Kyle Mayers vs Nepal’s Spinners – Mayers’ explosive batting will be tested by slow conditions.
- Ramon Simmonds vs Nepal’s Top Order – Left-arm pace against Nepal’s aggressive openers.
- Karima Gore vs Nepali Bowlers – Can Gore translate CPL form into international success?
- Akeal Hosein’s Captaincy vs Sharjah Conditions – His field settings and bowling changes will be under the microscope.
🏟️ Fixtures & Venues
- 1st T20I – Sept 27, Sharjah
- 2nd T20I – Sept 29, Sharjah
- 3rd T20I – Sept 30, Sharjah
📣 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
At Cricketory, we view this series as more than just a bilateral contest.
- For West Indies: It’s about building depth and testing leadership options before major tournaments.
- For Nepal: It’s a chance to prove themselves against a full-member nation and push for more recognition on the global stage.
- For Akeal Hosein: This is a career-defining moment. A strong performance as captain could put him in contention for long-term leadership roles.
👉 Prediction: Expect a competitive series where West Indies’ raw talent meets Nepal’s fearless spirit. The outcome will shape how both teams prepare for bigger challenges ahead.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who is captaining West Indies in the Nepal T20I series?
A: Akeal Hosein has been named captain for the first time, with Shai Hope rested.
Q2. How many uncapped players are in the squad?
A: Five uncapped players: Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds, and Amir Jangoo.
Q3. What is special about Karima Gore’s selection?
A: Gore previously played for USA and now gets his maiden WI call-up after an impressive CPL season.
Q4. When will the West Indies vs Nepal T20I series be played?
A: The series runs from September 27 to 30, 2025 in Sharjah.
Q5. Why is this series important for West Indies?
A: It’s part of CWI’s long-term strategy to test young talent, expand cricket’s reach, and prepare for upcoming global tournaments.
📝 Final Thoughts
The upcoming West Indies vs Nepal T20I series in Sharjah is more than just a contest between two teams—it’s a glimpse into the future of Caribbean cricket. With Akeal Hosein stepping up as captain for the first time and five uncapped players eager to prove themselves, this tour represents both opportunity and challenge.
For Nepal, facing a full-member nation offers invaluable exposure and a chance to showcase their rapid growth on the global stage. For the West Indies, the series is a strategic experiment, blending youth with experience to build a squad ready for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Fans can expect thrilling performances, fresh talent on display, and the possibility of surprises as cricket takes another exciting step toward new horizons.