Paul, Motie, Shepherd in Windies squad for World Cup qualifiers

May 12, 2023 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squad that will participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

Keemo Paul

The eight-team tournament will be held in Zimbabwe from 18 June, as the West Indies seek to secure one of the two final places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year.

To prepare for the qualifiers, the West Indies will have a three-match One Day International (ODI) Series against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah. The Selection Panel also named the squad for those matches to be played on June 5, 7, and 9, which will form part of the preparations for the qualifiers.

CWI has given permission to players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to return to the Caribbean for a short break before arriving in Zimbabwe for the qualification tournament.

The squad for the three ODIs in Sharjah includes four uncapped players, left-handed batter Alick Athanaze, as well as all-rounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan. There are recalls for all-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who last played in ODIs last July against India in Trinidad.

Lead Selector, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes said: “We see this as a crucial tournament as we look to secure one of the two places left in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Therefore, we have selected a balanced team which we believe is well equipped to get the job done in the conditions we anticipate in Zimbabwe.”

Haynes added: “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.”

“We believe Keemo Paul is a potential match-winner for us, with his skill-set he can bowl the new ball effectively, he’s dynamic in the outfield and can also make vital runs. He is now fully recovered from injury, and we anticipate similar conditions for the qualifiers.”

“Motie was excellent in the Test matches in Zimbabwe earlier this year, where he took 19 wickets. We believe he will again relish the chance to bowl in those conditions. He is also a capable batsman and good in the outfield.”

Haynes emphasized that “It will be a challenging tournament, it will be intense and competitive, there is no doubt about that. In speaking to the players, they are fully aware of the job at hand. We are happy with the preparations and the mind-set of the players, and everyone is clear about their roles in the squad.”

The West Indies team is known for its aggressive style and flair, which has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch in world cricket. They have won two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup titles in their history, in 1975 and 1979.

The West Indies have been drawn in Group A of the qualifiers alongside Bangladesh, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, and Namibia.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. The West Indies will be hoping to secure one of those spots and add to their impressive history in world cricket.

FULL SQUADS

West Vs. United Arab Emirates

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

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers

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

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