In a significant leadership reshuffle, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced sweeping changes to their captaincy roles across different formats. Kraigg Brathwaite, who has been at the helm of the West Indies Test team since 2017, has decided to step down from his position. This decision marks the end of an era for Brathwaite, who led the team in 39 Test matches.
The search for Brathwaite’s successor is underway, with the new captain set to lead the team in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27). The West Indies’ first assignment in this cycle will be a challenging home series against Australia, a crucial test for the new leadership.
Simultaneously, Shai Hope, the current ODI captain, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the T20I team. Hope replaces Rovman Powell, who had been leading the side since 2022. This move is part of a strategic overhaul aimed at revitalizing the team’s performance in the shortest format, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon.
These leadership changes signal a new chapter for West Indies cricket, with a focus on consistency and long-term planning across both red-ball and white-ball formats. The team is poised to build a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level in international cricket.