West Indies cricket is gearing up for a busy end to 2025, with a packed schedule across all formats. Recently, the team celebrated a victory over Pakistan in Lauderhill, Florida, and they are now preparing for a three-match T20 series against Nepal. Ranked sixth globally in T20 cricket, the West Indies are led by their new captain, Akeal Hosein, who is managing a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
The team’s head coach in Nepal, Rayon Griffith, steps in for Daren Sammy, who is focused on preparing the West Indies Test squad for an upcoming series against India. Griffith emphasizes the importance of the series in Nepal, highlighting it as a chance for players to impress ahead of the approaching T20 World Cup.
Akeal Hosein has called on experienced players to shoulder responsibility, providing a platform for younger players to thrive. Among these seasoned players is former captain Jason Holder. Although Holder was not selected for the Test squad in India, Daren Sammy, who also serves as the chief selector for the West Indies, assures that Holder is still considered for future Test matches.
Sammy also hinted at potential comebacks for former captain Kraigg Brathwaite and seam bowler Kemar Roach. Brathwaite, despite a dip in form that saw him dropped during a series against Australia, holds hope for a return. Roach, however, faces stiffer competition from younger talents in the seam department, given his age and recent exclusions.
Cricket West Indies’ decision to replace the injured Shamar Joseph with rising star Johann Layne for the India tour exemplifies the shift towards nurturing young talent. While Roach’s contribution to West Indies cricket, with 284 wickets in 85 Test matches, is undeniable, the focus seems to be on grooming the next generation.
Daren Sammy has expressed a desire for an organized transition for veterans, suggesting collaboration between Cricket West Indies and the West Indies Players’ Association to properly honor players as they conclude their careers. As the West Indies look to strike a balance between recognizing long-serving players and investing in future stars, the time is right to streamline these transitions in the interest of the team’s legacy and success.