Latest update February 6th, 2026 12:35 AM
Hetmyer Visa issues days prior to T20 World Cup, reflects iffy administrative planning
(Kaieteur News) – The Shimron Hetmyer Visa fiasco has created a bit of pre-T20 World Cup buzz, with the West Indies set to tackle Scotland in Saturday’s opener; possibly missing one of their key batting weapons.
West Indies have had a rough lead up to the World Cup, losing the pair of T20I 3-Match Series to Afghanistan and South Africa, respectively.
The team has also been plagued by a number of views from cricket pundits across the Caribbean who have been vocal as it relates to aspects of the team’s selection, progress and overall shape of West Indies cricket in its present stage.
Shimron Hetmyer
Now with this huge setback regarding their Hetmyer, who since his return for the Afghan series has been their best batsman heading into the World Cup, being stuck somewhere in South Africa reflects somewhat sloppy pre-World Cup preparations from an administrative position; in this instance the governing body for the Caribbean, Cricket West Indies (CWI).
While players have their protocol to follow as it relates to ensuring certain documentations are valid, majority of the onus still rests in the hands of the administration; which in this case CWI.
Hetmyer led the South Africa series with 171 runs with a best of 75, striking at close to 180.00, as he batted himself back into form while cementing that number 4/5 position in the line-up.
Since January, the Guyanese has hit scores of 46, 48, his top score of 75 and 48 not out, making his impact for the World Cup an invaluable commodity; especially with the majority of the West Indies players lacking form coming off of the two series.
Now with the Caribbean side playing Scotland in their first game Saturday February 7, it will be left to see what direction an already flustered Windies team go in.
This untimely wreck in the wheel has yet to be fully explained by CWI, who has been concise in their response, citing that “The matter will be dealt with soon”.
Given the timeline, Hetmyer could either find himself back in the team’s mix over the next few days, should CWI scramble to get their act together with just hours until the team looks to get themselves fine-tuned for the Scottish.
Or, alternatively the Caribbean side will have to bide their time and look to get past Scotland on Saturday, minus Hetmyer, who in all should have had his issues fully sorted out at least by the next match and arguably their toughest Group C challenge on Wednesday February 11; England. (Clifton Ross)
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