Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) captains Jason Holder and Kieron Pollard are among several players who will not be touring Bangladesh next year.
Test captain Holder, ODI and T20 captain Pollard, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran cited concerns or personal fears due to COVID-19. Fabian Allen and Shane Dowrich are unavailable due to personal reasons.
West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs and two Tests in Chattogram and Dhaka. The touring party is due to arrive in Dhaka on January 10 and the series will run until February 15.
“The CWI COVID-19 policy allows any player to opt out of selection for an overseas tour, only when based on the player’s own safety fears or concerns. Such decisions will not impact their consideration for future selection,” CWI said in a statement.
The Test squad will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood will be vice-captain. Former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies “A” team captain, Jason Mohammed, will lead the ODI team with Sunil Ambris as vice-captain.
Kavem Hodge, the right-handed top-order batsman, earned a maiden call-up in the Test squad; while left-handed opener Shayne Moseley and all-rounder Kyle Mayers will be touring in the Test squad for the first time after making trips to England and New Zealand as reserves this year. Mayers made his T20I debut against New Zealand last month. Akeal Hosein, a left-arm spinner allrounder; and Kjorn Ottley, a left-handed top-order batsman, earned their first call-ups for the ODI squad.
CWI lead selector Roger Harper said the absence of several more experienced players created opportunities for others.
“Tours of Bangladesh are never easy as they always play well in their own conditions. Although a number of the senior players are missing in both formats, I expect our teams to be very competitive. I expect our players to play with purpose, with passion and with the desire to prove that they belong at this level.”
West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer and Jomel Warrican.
West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr.
Full Tour Schedule
January 10: West Indies arrive
January 18: One-day warm-up match, BKSP, Savar
January 20: 1st ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka
January 22: 2nd ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka
January 25: 3rd ODI, ZACS, Chattogram
January 28-31: Four-day warm-up, M.A. Aziz Stadium, Chattogram
February 3-7: 1st Test Match, ZACS, Chattogram
February 11-15: 2nd Test Match, SBNCS, Dhaka (PR/SAT)
