ICC WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Pollard, Russell, Narine opt out of World Cup Qualifiers

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo have preferred the PSL over the World Cup Qualifiers © Getty

Windies will be without their big stars in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe this year as the 15-man squad was announced on Thursday (January 25). Chris Gayle has been named in the team but Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Darren Bravo have all opted out of the tournament.

Courtney Browne, chairman of selectors, revealed the players have picked Pakistan Super League over playing for Windies. "We are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause," he said. "Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League."

This edition of PSL will be played from February 22 to March 25 while the qualifiers will be played from March 4-25.

Browne also acknowledged Dwayne Bravo wasn't considered for selection. "Dwayne Bravo was not contacted as he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies," he pointed out.

Carlos Brathwaite is back in the side that'll be led by Jason Holder. Jason Mohammed has been named as the vice-captain while Shimron Hetmyer has managed to retain his place after two low scores in the ODI series in New Zealand.

Brathwaite last played an ODI for Windies in March last year against England. While he has been named as the Twenty20 International captain, he was continuously ignored for the ODI format.

Windies will have to fight it out against Ireland, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Scotland, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and two more teams from ICC World Cricket League Division 2 to earn a place in the World Cup in 2019 in England.

Windies Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Jason Mohammed (vice-capt), Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Marlon Samuels, Shai Hope (wk), Carlos Brathwaite, Rovman Powell, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cotterell, Nikita Miller, Kesrick Williams, Kemar Roach, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo.

© Cricbuzz

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