CMC – WEST Indies head coach for the tour of Nepal, Rayon Griffith says he is eagerly looking forward to the performances of the team’s young players during the three-match T20I series, which bowls off on Saturday.

Griffith, who is leading the team in the absence of Daren Sammy, said the regional side was loaded with young and exciting talent who were keen to make their mark on the international stage.

Furthermore, with the Men’s T20 World Cup slated to be held in early 2026, he said it was the perfect opportunity for those upcoming players to send a strong message to the selectors.

“It always excites me when it comes to young players. You know what you’re going to get from young players, you know the eagerness, the willingness from them and they’re hungry so it’s going to be a very interesting series and I’m looking forward to work with these young, exciting players.

“They have a couple players such as [Navin] Bidaisee, you have Zishan [Motara], and we have also Jewel Andrew in that setup. [Amir] Jangoo who has been playing for the West Indies, he’s another young player to look out for,” Griffith said.

“…There is a World Cup coming up very soon and the opportunity is there for the players to showcase themselves. The more they can perform they would put that pressure on the selectors and give themselves an opportunity to play for the West Indies.”

Griffith said a West Indies ‘A’ side visited Nepal in May, 2024, where they emerged victorious 3-2 in their five-match series.

He said while this series only comprises three matches, he expected it to still be competitive.

“We were in Nepal about 18 months ago and it was a good series against them. It was competitive, and they played some good cricket and we did play some good cricket as well and came out on top of the series.

“This is a short series. We only got in a couple days ago and we didn’t hit the ground running in terms of prep, but most of our players who just finished the CPL means they have some cricket under their belt and that’s a good sign for us,” Griffith said.

SQUAD

WEST INDIES: 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.

Schedule

1st T20I: September 27, Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

2nd T20I: September 29, Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

3rd T20I: September 30, Sharjah Cricket Stadium.