PAKISTAN IN WEST INDIES, 2025
While Shepherd returns, Hetmyer remains out of contention © AFP
Romario Shepherd, who missed the tour of England earlier this year due to the rescheduled IPL playoffs, has been recalled to the West Indies squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who featured in the recent Test series against Australia, has been rested as part of workload management.
The 15-member squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured England in May-June, with Shepherd coming in for Joseph as the only change. Also among those who keep their places are 23-year-old Jediah Blades, who made his ODI debut against Bangladesh late last year, and 18-year-old keeper-batter Jewel Andrew, who made his T20I debut against Pakistan last week.
Squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
Shimron Hetmyer, who toured England in May-June and then put in impressive performances for Seattle Orcas at Major League Cricket (MLC), is not in the squad.
The series, scheduled for August 8, 10 and 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad, is part of West Indies’ ongoing bid to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup,” said head coach Daren Sammy. “While qualifying is our immediate goal, maintaining a winning mentality and team cohesion is essential for long-term success.
“The upcoming matches against teams like Pakistan, who are ranked higher, provide crucial opportunities to earn valuable ranking points to improve our standing ahead of the World Cup.”
© Cricbuzz
