Fri Sep 26 18:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Akeal Hosein is leading the West Indies T20 team for the first time in a bilateral series against Nepal in the UAE. He emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the opposition and aims for a series win. The squad includes several debutants due to the series falling outside the Future Tours Programme, allowing selectors to include emerging talents while resting senior players. Hosein encourages the newcomers to express themselves freely and highlights the role of senior players in leading by example. While Daren Sammy won’t be on tour, the coaching staff is coordinated. Rayon Griffith will serve as head coach, and Ottis Gibson will be the fast bowling consultant.
**News Article:**
**Hosein Warns Against Complacency as West Indies Face Nepal in T20 Series**
Sharjah, UAE – Akeal Hosein, the newly appointed captain of the West Indies T20 team, has cautioned his players against underestimating Nepal as the two sides prepare for their inaugural bilateral T20 International series. The series kicks off tomorrow at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
“We’re not looking at the opposition as though they are lesser of us,” stated Hosein. “We come here to play three hard games of cricket and win a series – that’s all it’s going to be.”
This series marks the first meeting between the two nations at this level and will see several new faces in the West Indies squad. With the series falling outside the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, selectors have used the opportunity to blood emerging talent, including five uncapped players: Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds, and Amir Jangoo.
Hosein, who described his captaincy opportunity as a “privilege,” emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer from senior players like Jason Holder, Fabian Allen and Kyle Mayers to the younger squad members. He urged the newcomers to embrace the opportunity and play freely.
“We are not going to put too much pressure on them. We just want them to come and express themselves, play and enjoy and do what got you selected in the first place,” Hosein said.
While all-formats head coach Daren Sammy will not be present, Rayon Griffith will take on the role of head coach, with Ottis Gibson serving as the fast bowling consultant. Hosein assured that everyone will be coordinating to ensure a successful series. The series will be a part of the team’s preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
First Piper 