West Indies Women’s Cricket Team to Participate in ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2025, a crucial tournament that will determine the final two participants in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India later this year. The qualifiers, taking place in Lahore, Pakistan from April 9th to 19th, will see the West Indies Women compete against five other nations: Pakistan, Ireland, Bangladesh, Scotland, and Thailand. The team departed for a pre-tournament camp in the United Arab Emirates before heading to Pakistan for the challenging round-robin competition. The West Indies, along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Ireland, missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup through the ICC Women’s Championship, finishing seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth respectively. Scotland and Thailand earned their places in the qualifiers based on their ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the tournament, citing the intensive training regime they underwent and the encouraging performances displayed during the recent home series against Bangladesh and the CG United Women’s Super 50 Cup, both held in St. Kitts. Bascombe emphasized the importance of securing a World Cup berth and expressed his belief in the team’s talent and determination. He also highlighted the positive dynamic created by the blend of experienced players and emerging talent within the squad, with senior players taking on mentorship roles and younger players demonstrating their capability to perform on the international stage. This mix of experience and youth, according to Bascombe, will foster resilience under pressure.

All 15 matches of the qualifiers will be staged in Lahore, Pakistan, split between the Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Stadium. The West Indies Women open their campaign against Scotland at the LCCA Stadium on April 9th, followed by matches against Ireland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The varied match schedule presents an additional challenge, with some games starting at 12:30 am AST (9:30 am PKT) and others at 5:00 am AST (2:00 pm PKT), demanding adaptability and careful preparation from the West Indies squad.

Head Coach Shane Deitz echoed Bascombe’s confidence, acknowledging the tough competition but stressing the team’s preparedness for the challenge. Deitz emphasized the significance of qualifying for the World Cup and the need for consistent peak performance in every game. He outlined the team’s strategy, focusing on thorough preparation, trusting their skills, and playing their best cricket, believing positive results will follow. This approach reflects a commitment to process over outcome, focusing on the controllable elements of their game.

Captain Hayley Matthews further reinforced the team’s determination and focus, stating the team’s excellent preparation and positive atmosphere. She emphasized the trust within the squad, both in their individual skills and in each other, highlighting the importance of maintaining concentration and playing their best cricket without distractions. Matthews underscored the significance of qualifying for the World Cup as a major team goal, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to perform at a high level and achieve this objective. This unified message from the leadership reflects a strong team spirit and a clear understanding of the task ahead.

The 15-player squad represents a strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, featuring three changes from the squad that faced Bangladesh in January. Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry return from injury, bolstering the team’s experience and capabilities. Rashada Williams earned her place in the squad after impressive performances in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, adding to the team’s batting depth. These inclusions replace Nerissa Crafton, Djenaba Joseph, and Deandra Dottin, who are unavailable due to injury. The revised squad showcases the selectors’ focus on form and fitness, aiming to assemble the strongest possible team for the qualifiers.

The West Indies Women’s squad, led by Captain Hayley Matthews and Vice-Captain Shemaine Campbelle, comprises a mix of established players and rising stars, aiming to secure a place in the 2025 World Cup. The team management, headed by Shane Deitz, is supported by a comprehensive team of coaches, analysts, medical staff, and support personnel, providing the players with the necessary resources and guidance. The squad’s preparation, coupled with the experience of senior players and the enthusiasm of emerging talent, positions them as a strong contender for one of the two coveted World Cup qualifying spots. The upcoming qualifiers in Lahore, Pakistan, will be a crucial test of their abilities and determination, and the West Indies Women will be aiming to deliver performances that secure their place on the world stage.