The West Indies have maintained a perfectly chequered ODI record since their failure to advance from the 2023 World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. Nine bilateral series contested, four won, four lost, and one drawn.
With 17 months remaining in the qualification cycle for the 2027 edition of the World Cup, the Caribbean side occupies the last automatic spot to the 14-team showpiece, sitting in ninth position in the standings. Bangladesh, their next opponents, are a place below them in tenth.
Predictably enough, the focus ahead of Saturday’s start to the three-match series has been on how fast the visitors can adapt to conditions at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. According to coach Daren Sammy, his team has a head start in that department. Owing to their just-concluded Test series in India, which he describes as the “closest conditions you'll get” to those in Bangladesh.
The West Indies Men’s Under-19 Youth ODI series against England has been relocated from the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the National Stadium in Grenada.
Cricket West Indies’ request to have the matches hosted at Arnos Vale from November 16 to December 1 was declined on the basis of the venue’s unavailability due to FIFA’s international scheduling. The reason for the USA’s absence from what was originally a tri-series was, however, not stated.
The Young Men in Maroon and Young Lions will instead face off in a seven-match series as both teams continue their build-up to the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup to be played in January 2026. The Caribbean side defeated Sri Lanka 4-3 in their most recent outing in September.
Antiguan batting sensation Jewel Andrew says he’s disappointed to have missed out on the latest West Indies white-ball squad. The team is currently in Bangladesh to contest 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. Andrew, in the meantime, has returned home to work on his game.
During a recent net session, the 18-year-old confessed to local news network ABS TV Radio that he was caught off guard by his omission. “[I was] definitely surprised,” he said. “I was hoping to get a longer run in the ODI format because I see it as something that I am good at.”
Andrew has made fewer appearances in his preferred format (3) than T20Is played (5) since making his international debut (although he did not bat) against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in October 2024. His 8 caps have, however, earned him a development contract from Cricket West Indies. A sign that he is part of the Caribbean side’s plans going forward.
To recapture the attention of coach Daren Sammy, Andrew is aware of where he needs to start. “[It’s about] finding my confidence. I think [I am] low on that at the moment,” he admitted. With an ODI average of 4 and a 97.50 strike rate in T20Is, Andrew is yet to find his groove at the highest level.
Judging by his recent award, as far as cricket-loving India is concerned, Brian Lara is a role model who provides an example of someone who refused to be limited.
It's always important during difficult times to seek inspiration and aspiration. We are very fortunate that we can look at the story of Brian Lara, if we choose to do so, to find a living example of someone who set horizons and redefined what cricket greatness can look like.
The cricket legend was honoured with a lifetime achievement award during the 2025 CEAT Cricket Awards in Mumbai, India, last Tuesday.
“Some careers set records; a few set horizons. We honour Brian Lara with the CEAT Lifetime Achievement Award—a salute to craft, charisma, and a legacy that continues to guide how greatness is imagined,” the CEAT post said.
I agree with the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Azim Bassarath that the cricket clubs hold the key to better performances. The stronger the clubs, the better the representative national team. And TT has had no success since 2006, in that most important and vital part of cricket by which first-class cricket is judged and West Indies representative teams are chosen.
“Strong clubs build strong competitions,and strong competitions build strong national teams.” This was the message he sent out to the clubs. Thus, he’s urging stronger structures to rebuild national cricket. This, of course, is much easier said than done. However, it is good of him to recognise that fact eventually, after fifteen years as president.
Though all his points are valid, they are not easy to come by. The type of planning that is necessary, while theoretically very good ideas, doesn't just fall into the lap of club administrators. I’ll dissect some of the points that the president mentioned in his address at the TTCB premiership awards ceremony recently.
