The West Indies have announced their squad for the all-important Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier, set to begin on June 18 in Zimbabwe. The squad includes all-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who last played in ODIs in July against India in Trinidad.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes explained the selection of Paul, saying, "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."
Meanwhile, Motie's selection was due to his excellent performance 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," said Haynes.
The West Indies need to finish as one of the top two teams in the qualifiers to secure their place in the main ODI World Cup, which will be held in India in October-November. The team previously secured their ticket to the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England by going through the qualifiers in 2018.
CWI also announced that players participating in the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be given a short break ahead of the Qualifiers, which means they won't take part in the three ODIs against fellow qualifying tournament competitors UAE in Sharjah.
In the squad named for the series against the UAE, four uncapped players have been included - left-handed batter Alick Athanaze, all-rounders Kavem Hodge, Dominic Drakes, and Akeem Jordan.
"This presents a chance for some other players who are not in the squad for the qualifiers, to get an opportunity at the international level as we look to expose more players," concluded Haynes.
West Indies World Cup Qualifier Squad: 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, Romario Shepherd
West Indies squad for UAE ODIs: 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, Devon Thomas