Overview
- Cricket West Indies confirmed a 15-player squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup led by Shai Hope, selecting three‑match T20I newcomer Quentin Sampson and leaving out veteran opener Evin Lewis.
- Hope praised Sampson’s clean ball‑striking and adaptability, pointing to his CPL impact and poise against spin as qualities valued for the tournament venues.
- Johnson Charles retained a place as the designated wicketkeeper following Nicholas Pooran’s retirement, a role consideration that counted against Lewis in the final mix.
- Evin Lewis posted an Instagram message suggesting he may depart international cricket and subsequently made his account private, with no official confirmation from CWI on his status.
- Lewis is West Indies’ fifth‑highest T20I run‑scorer with 1,799 runs at a 152 strike rate, while Sampson’s rise followed a CPL season of 241 runs at a similar strike rate and a recent T20I debut.