Dropped from T20 World Cup squad, star batter hints at retirement, drops cryptic social media post, name is…
West Indies opener Evin Lewis has dropped a strong hint that his international career may be coming to an end after being left out of the team’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The 33-year-old appeared visibly disappointed with the decision and took to social media to express his feelings soon after the squad announcement.
Cricket West Indies named a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7. While fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was ruled out due to injury, Lewis’ omission came down to form rather than fitness, a call that clearly hasn’t gone down well with the left-hander.
Lewis featured in the recent T20I series against Afghanistan, marking his return to the side after last playing international cricket in June 2025 against Ireland. However, his returns were modest, managing just 17 runs across two matches. His struggles extended into franchise cricket as well, with a disappointing Abu Dhabi T10 campaign where he registered four single-digit scores in his last five innings, his highest being 17.
Those numbers weren’t enough to convince the selectors, and the snub seems to have hit Lewis hard. In an Instagram story posted shortly after the squad reveal, he hinted strongly at retirement from international cricket.
“Jus(t) wanna thank everyone who supported me in my 10 years off international cricket but I think the time has come for me to depart… stay tuned,” Lewis wrote.
If this does turn out to be the end, Lewis will bow out as one of West Indies’ most explosive white-ball batters of the modern era. He’s played 67 T20Is for the Caribbean side, scoring 1,799 runs at an average of 29.01 and a strike rate of 152.07, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries.
Surprise call-ups and notable absentees
As for the rest of the squad, West Indies have sprung a surprise by handing a World Cup call-up to Quentin Simpson following his impressive performances in the Caribbean Premier League. Representing Guyana Amazon Warriors, Simpson scored 241 runs at a healthy strike rate of 151.57, earning him a spot in the global tournament.
The squad also reflects a changing of the guard. Big names like Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell, who featured in the 2024 World Cup, are missing this time around after announcing their retirement from international cricket. That said, experience isn’t in short supply, with players like Jason Holder and Johnson Charles expected to shoulder responsibility in the marquee event.
West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Shai Hope (C), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd