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West Indies rest Alzarri Joseph and recall Romario Shepherd for the ODI series against Pakistan, with a focus on long-term planning and 2027 World Cup qualification.
A Small Change, but a Meaningful One for the West Indies
West Indies have made just one change to their ODI squad ahead of the upcoming home series against Pakistan — but it’s a smart and strategic one.
Romario Shepherd is back.
Alzarri Joseph gets a well-earned rest.
That’s the headline — and here’s what it means for the team and their future plans.
Why Alzarri Joseph Is Sitting This One Out
Alzarri Joseph, one of the West Indies’ premier fast bowlers, will miss the ODI series due to workload management, not injury or form.
The West Indies are managing their schedule carefully. He was also rested during the recent T20I series, and this is part of that ongoing plan.
And honestly, it’s a sensible move. The modern cricket calendar is packed, and keeping frontline pacers fresh is key, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
Romario Shepherd Gets Another Chance
Romario Shepherd, the 29-year-old all-rounder, has been recalled. Known for his explosive lower-order hitting and reliable pace bowling, he brings balance to both departments.
Shepherd has had flashes of brilliance in past ODIs and T20s, and recently impressed during the CPL with both bat and ball — a performance that may have earned him this opportunity.
This is not just a like-for-like replacement. It’s a chance for Shepherd to cement a long-term role in the ODI setup, especially with West Indies focused on building depth.
ODI Squad for Pakistan Series
West Indies ODI Squad
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Shai Hope (captain & wicketkeeper)
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Jewel Andrew
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Jediah Blades
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Keacy Carty
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Roston Chase
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Matthew Forde
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Justin Greaves
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Amir Jangoo
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Shamar Joseph
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Brandon King
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Evin Lewis
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Gudakesh Motie
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Sherfane Rutherford
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Jayden Seales
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Romario Shepherd
What’s at Stake in This Series?
This ODI series, starting August 8 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, is not just about form or pride. It plays a role in the West Indies’ mission to qualify automatically for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Head coach Daren Sammy has emphasised the importance of playing (and beating) higher-ranked teams like Pakistan to climb the ODI rankings. The Windies cannot afford to slip — going through qualifiers again is not the ideal route.
Long-Term Thinking Behind This Rotation
While this may seem like a simple player swap, it reflects a bigger mindset shift:
Key Points
- ✅ Prioritising player fitness over short-term availability
- ✅ Giving game time to all-rounders like Shepherd, who can add value in both departments
- ✅ Keeping the bigger picture — World Cup qualification — front and centre
In an era of burnout and back-to-back cricket, this approach shows maturity and smart planning from West Indies management.
Final Thought
No drama. No panic. Just thoughtful selection.
West Indies are moving with intent — rotating players wisely and preparing the squad for the long road to 2027.
Now it’s up to the players — especially Romario Shepherd — to grab this chance and deliver when it matters most.
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