West Indies climb to the fourth in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings

Wed, May 29, '24

In the leadup to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosts West Indies took on South Africa at home, and have made substantial gains in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings on the back of a 3-0 series win.

Despite missing a few big faces, West Indies managed to sweep the series.

With the series win, West Indies (254 rating points), the champions of the 2012 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cup, are at the fourth place in the list led by 2007 champions India (264 rating points), with 2021 champions Australia (257 rating points) and defending champions England (254 rating points) at the second and third place respectively.

There were individual bright spots for West Indies in the series, who gained substantially in the T20I Player Rankings. This included stand-in skipper Brandon King, whose 159 runs helped him jump up five places to the eighth position in the Men’s T20I Batting Rankings.

Oval’s World Cup makeover unveiled

Wed, May 29, '24

Historic Kensington Oval has undergone a comprehensive transformation, in keeping with plans to transform the venerable cricket ground into becoming a premier destination for world-class events.

Damien Gaskin, Chair of the Kensington Oval Management Inc. (KOMI), unveiled the extensive upgrades over the weekend just in time for the upcoming International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. Barbados will host nine matches which bowl off on Sunday, including the finals on June 29.

One of the most significant upgrades is the installation of new lighting.

“We’ve got brand new light towers up . . . We’ve installed 468 brand new lights on the towers,” Gaskin explained. “The construction company told us this is the second most lights they’ve installed anywhere in the world, including NFL and Major League Baseball stadiums.” This ensures that the Oval meets international standards for night games and other events.

Sammy confident West Indies will deliver T20 World Cup title

Tue, May 28, '24

DESPITE the team’s below par performances in the last two editions, Head Coach Daren Sammy says he is optimistic the West Indies can provide a real challenge for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean and the USA.

Since his appointment in May 2023 Sammy has had success in the T20 format, winning three of the team’s four series — including against World Cup favourites India and England. The Caribbean men completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep over South Africa on Sunday, in the first international series in Jamaica since 2022. As captain, Sammy led the Windies to their two World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016.

However, following his retirement the team struggled in 2021, winning just one match in the ‘Super 12’ and in 2022 they failed to make it out of the group featuring relative minnows Zimbabwe, Scotland and Ireland.

But now, 12 months in as head coach, Sammy says he’s confident the team can turn things around and win their third crown.

“I have a team that is very proud. They believe they’re some of the better players in the world, they believe as a team that we can win, and I’m pretty sure you saw how we played [against South Africa],” he said.

Windies Coach Sammy thanks Jamaican fans for 3-0 series win over South Africa

Mon, May 27, '24

West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy says playing in front of the Jamaican fans was a key factor in the team’s 3-0 sweep over South Africa in their Twenty20 (T20) international series at Sabina Park ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The Windies put on a dominant showing in Sunday’s final match as they recorded an eight wicket win.

“It’s good to be back in Jamaica,” he said. “We missed cricket in Jamaica, just hearing the horns, the shells, the trumpets blowing and seeing the fans coming out. It’s a vibe here in Jamaica and I’m glad we got to experience that and continue the legacy Sabina Park carries. I told the guys it’s our duty to entertain the fans that come out to watch cricket and they want cricket here so we achieved that.

Obed McCoy replaces Jason Holder in West Indies squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Mon, May 27, '24

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announces a key update to the West Indies squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Jason Holder has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury and left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy has been named as his replacement.

While Jason Holder's absence is notable, CWI is confident that the team remains strong and competitive with the inclusion of McCoy. Holder's injury, sustained during the County Championship 2024, will require a recovery period, and the team's medical staff will provide all necessary support to ensure his swift and complete recovery.

Dr. The Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, Lead Selector of CWI, shared his thoughts on this development: "Jason is an experienced player in our set-up. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon."

Dr. Haynes continued, "While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason's calibre, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy. Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad."

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