Batsman Chris Gayle and fast bowler Fidel Edwards have been named in the West Indies squad for next month's T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Gayle and Edwards have not played international cricket in two and nine years, respectively.
Gayle recently cut short a stint with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. He will likely play in the Indian Premier League later this year.
Edwards recently represented the Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10. The squad also includes Test captain Jason Holder and spinner Akeal Hosein.
“As we build towards the defence of the T20 World Cup, the opportunity is being taken to determine our best team and squad as we go forward,” said Cricket West Indies chief selector Roger Harper.
“Chris has performed very well in recent tournaments and the selection panel thinks that he can still add great value to our team. Fidel has been selected to give the bowling the potent firepower needed.
“Jason has shown his all-round value in this format in recent times and after missing a few series he will add depth and experience to the squad.
“Akeal performed very well in Bangladesh ODI series and had excellent stats in the Caribbean Premier League, so this is an opportunity to see how he equips himself in this format.”
West Indies T20I Squad
- Kieron Pollard (captain)
- Nicholas Pooran
- Fabian Allen
- Dwayne Bravo
- Fidel Edwards
- Andre Fletcher
- Chris Gayle
- Jason Holder
- Akeal Hosein
- Evin Lewis
- Obed McCoy
- Rovman Powell
- Lendl Simmons
- Kevin Sinclair
The series will comprise three T20Is and as many ODIs. Gayle has also been included in the ODI squad, which also features the uncapped Kevin Sinclair.
“Kevin grabbed our attention in the Super50 Cup back in 2019 and has been consistently economical in the last CPL and the current Super50. He will provide an off-spinning option for the team,” added Harper.
West Indies ODI Squad
- Kieron Pollard (captain)
- Shai Hope
- Fabian Allen
- Darren Bravo
- Jason Holder
- Akeal Hosein
- Alzarri Joseph
- Evin Lewis
- Kyle Mayers
- Jason Mohammed
- Nicholas Pooran
- Romario Shepherd
- Kevin Sinclair
The West Indies are the only country to win the T20 World Cup (formerly known as the World Twenty20) twice.
