The West Indies cricket team will be without their senior players Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The quartet has opted-out citing "personal reasons." The team's revamped selection committee, under head coach Darren Sammy, has recalled Evin Lewis and Brandon King and handed maiden call-ups to pace bowling allrounders Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer. Captain Rovman Powell and vice-captain Roston Chase will lead the squad in the absence of the senior players.
West Indies Senior Players Opt Out of Sri Lanka T20I Series
The West Indies cricket team has been dealt a blow ahead of its upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, as four senior players have opted out due to "personal reasons."
Players Unavailable
Squad Updates
In the absence of the experienced quartet, the West Indies selection committee has recalled Evin Lewis and Brandon King. Two uncapped players, all-rounders Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer, have also been given maiden call-ups.
Captainship
Rovman Powell will captain the team, with Roston Chase serving as vice-captain.
Background
This is not the first time West Indies has faced player availability issues in recent years. Following a contract dispute with Cricket West Indies (CWI), several top players withdrew from the 2019-20 tour of India.
CWI and the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) have been working to improve player relations, but challenges remain.
FAQs
Why have the players opted out of the series? The players have cited "personal reasons" for their decision.
What impact will this have on the West Indies team? The absence of Russell, Pooran, Hosein, and Hetmyer is a significant loss for the West Indies. They are key players in the team's T20 setup.
Who are the new players that have been called up? Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Terrance Hinds, and Shamar Springer have been added to the squad.
Are there any injury concerns for the West Indies team? There are no reported injuries in the West Indies squad.
What is the schedule for the T20I series against Sri Lanka? The three-match T20I series will be played on March 4, 6, and 9 in Trinidad and Tobago.
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