The team that will represent Cricket West Indies (CWI) in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers has been announced today. To qualify for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India later this year, the West Indies will compete in a competition in Zimbabwe including eight teams beginning on June 18.

West Indies will play a three-match ODI series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Sharjah on June 5, 7, and 9. The team for this series has been also announced by the selection panel. The purpose of these games is to get everyone ready for the qualifying rounds.

Players currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been given permission by CWI to return to the Caribbean for a short holiday before traveling to Zimbabwe to compete in the qualifying event.

Both Keemo Paul (an all-rounder) and Gudakesh Motie (a left-arm spinner), who last appeared in ODIs in July of last year in Trinidad against India, have been called back into action. Four uncapped players, including left-handed batsman Alick Athanaze and all-rounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan, are included in the Sharjah squad for the three ODIs.

“Paul is a three-dimensional player, who can bowl the new ball effectively, he’s dynamic in the outfield and he can also make vital runs. He is now fully recovered from injury and with his skill-set we see him as a potential match-winner for us. Motie was excellent in the Test matches in the Zimbabwe earlier this year, where he took 19 wickets, and we anticipate similar conditions for the qualifiers. We believe he will again relish the chance to bowl in those conditions. He is also a capable batsman and good in the outfield. The team played well in South Africa earlier this year, when we drew the ODI Series 1-1 under the new captain. We were encouraged by that display and we expect them to continue to grow and create that synergy,” said Desmond Haynes, the lead selector.

SQUADS

West Indies v United Arab Emirates

Shai Hope (c), Brandon King (vc), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas.

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers

Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd.