Saint Lucian top-order batter Ackeem Auguste has earned a well-deserved call-up to the West Indies Senior Men’s squad for the historic T20 series against Nepal.
The stylish and aggressive left-hander has impressed with outstanding performances for the St Lucia Kings in this season’s CPL T20 tournament, cementing his place in the team.
Auguste’s leadership background includes captaining the Windies Under-19 squad, following in the footsteps of another dynamic Saint Lucian player, Kimani Melius.
During this season’s CPL, he played alongside fellow Lucian teammates Johnson Charles, Keon Gaston, and Shadrak Descartes for the St Lucia Kings.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the 15-member squad for the inaugural T20 International series against Nepal, set to take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from September 27–30.
This groundbreaking series is crucial for the team’s preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be held in subcontinent conditions.
Key highlights of the series include:
– This is the inaugural bilateral international series between the two teams, following a successful “A” Team tour last year.
– Akeal Hosein will captain the squad, which features six potential debutants.
– Rayon Griffith leads as Head Coach, with former West Indies Head Coach Ottis Gibson serving as fast-bowling consultant.
Selectors are utilizing this opportunity, outside the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, to include several emerging players who have shown their potential in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League and the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, allowing senior players to manage their workloads effectively.
Akeal Hosein, a key part of the T20I leadership group, takes charge of a squad that includes six potential debutants.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the significance of the series, stating, “This series against Nepal broadens the horizons of West Indies cricket. It allows our senior men’s team to engage with a passionate emerging nation while gaining invaluable match experience in different conditions.”
Bascombe further remarked, “This tour is not only about competition; it reflects our long-term vision of developing an adaptable and resilient squad prepared for global challenges. Expanding West Indies cricket into new territories and against new opposition helps us grow the game, inspire new fans, and elevate the brand of West Indies cricket worldwide.”
West Indies Squad to face Nepal in the UAE:
– Akeal Hosein (Captain) – Fabian Allen – Jewel Andrew – Ackeem Auguste – Navin Bidaisse – Jediah Blades – Keacy Carty – Karima Gore – Jason Holder – Amir Jangoo – Kyle Mayers – Obed McCoy – Zishan Motara – Ramon Simmonds – Shamar Springer
Team Management Unit:
– Head Coach: Rayon Griffith
– Coaching Consultant: Ottis Gibson
– Assistant Coach: Nikita Miller
– Assistant Coach: Jerome Taylor
– Assistant Coach: Jamal Smith
– Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam
– Massage Therapist: Darc Browne
– Team Analyst: Gary Belle
– Media Officer: Nicholas Maitland
– Team Manager: Dwain Gill
Full Tour Schedule:
– 1st T20I: 27th September @ Sharjah, UAE
– 2nd T20I: 29th September @ Sharjah, UAE
– 3rd T20I: 30th September @ Sharjah, UAE