Shimron Hetmyer has been named in the West Indies squad for the three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Dubai from January 19 to 22.
The 29-year-old left-handed finisher is part of a 16-member squad for the UAE tour, which forms a key step in the two-time champions West Indies’ build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Hetmyer has played 69 T20Is for the West Indies since making his international debut in the format back in 2018.
He has scored 1112 runs in the format at an average of 20.59 and a strike rate of 126.07. He scored a half-century against Australia in Basseterre in his last T20I match back in July 2025.
He was left out of the West Indies squad for the subsequent series against Pakistan due to a side strain and has not featured for the national team since.
Shimron Hetmyer will arrive for the Afghanistan series on the back of a strong 2025 season.
Last year, Hetmyer starred in a T20 league in the USA, amassing 340 runs in eight matches at a remarkable strike rate of 209.87, including an unbeaten 97 against New York. In IPL 2025, he contributed 239 runs for Rajasthan Royals at a strike rate of 145.73.
Hetmyer also helped his team win a T20 franchise competition in the UAE last month.
Overall, Hetmyer has played 309 T20 matches, scoring 6053 runs at an average of 26.20 and a strike rate of 141.85.
Brandon King will captain the West Indian team for the Afghanistan series.
Coach Daren Sammy highlights importance of series
Head Coach Daren Sammy mentioned that this series not only serves as a valuable tuning opportunity before the ICC World Cup but also helps reintegrate key players returning after extended absences.
“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup. It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who would have missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournament” Sammy said.
As per an International Cricket Council (ICC) release, the West Indies are expected to finalise their 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup ahead of their subsequent T20I series against South Africa, scheduled from January 27 to 31.
West Indies squad for Afghanistan T20Is:
Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer
