The West Indies Cricket Team enters the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to advance beyond the Super 8 round at their home in 2024. With superb powerhitters in the squad, despite missing Nicholas Pooran, who announced his international retirement in 2025, the two-time champions will be one of the favourites as they will aim to reclaim glory in the subcontinent co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- Captain: Shai Hope
- Head Coach: Darren Sammy
- T20 World Cup Debut Year: 2007
- Best Finish in T20 World Cup: Champions (2012 and 2016)
West Indies Team Bio
The West Indies cricket team, affectionately known as the Windies, boasts a rich legacy in T20 cricket, highlighted by their triumphs in the 2012 and 2016 ICC T20 World Cups under the leadership of Darren Sammy, who now serves as head coach. Renowned for their explosive batting, athletic fielding, and potent pace bowling, the team embodies Caribbean flair and resilience. In the T20 format, stars like Chris Gayle set benchmarks with aggressive strokeplay, while recent squads blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talents.
For 2026, captain Shai Hope leads a balanced unit featuring power-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, all-rounders such as Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd, and spin options like Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie. The side draws on a deep talent pool from domestic leagues and global T20 competitions, adapting to subcontinental conditions with spin-friendly pitches in mind.
As the joint-most successful team alongside India and England with two titles, West Indies remain a formidable force, capable of thrilling comebacks and big-hitting spectacles. Their passionate fanbase and “calypso cricket” style make them perennial crowd favourites in global tournaments. West Indies are in Group C along with England, Scotland, Nepal and Italy.
West Indies record in T20 World Cup
| Edition | Round | Position | Mat | W | L | T | N/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Group stage | 11/12 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | Semi-finals | 4/12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | Super 8 | 6/12 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | Champions | 1/12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | Semi-finals | 3/16 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | Champions | 1/16 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Super 12 | 9/16 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Group stage | 15/16 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Super 8 | 5/20 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | Qualified | ||||||
West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
West Indies schedule for T20 World Cup 2026
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Venue | Stage | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/02/2026 | West Indies | Scotland | Kolkata | Group C | 15:00 |
| 11/02/2026 | England | West Indies | Mumbai | Group C | 19:00 |
| 15/02/2026 | West Indies | Nepal | Mumbai | Group C | 11:00 |
| 19/02/2026 | West Indies | Italy | Kolkata | Group C | 11:00 |
