Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed several key leadership changes within the West Indies Men’s teams ahead of the upcoming home season. These changes come as Kraigg Brathwaite steps down from his role as Test captain, and Shai Hope takes over as the captain of the T20 team.

Brathwaite led the team in 39 Tests from 2017 to 2025, winning 10 and losing 22 matches, and under his leadership, the Windies experienced a series of historic moments. Notable achievements include a home series victory against England in 2022, an unforgettable win over Australia at the Gabba in January 2024, (A first for the team in 27 years) and a hard-fought drawn two-match series in Pakistan in 2025.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised Brathwaite’s leadership qualities, noting, “Kraigg Brathwaite has been an outstanding leader for our Test team, guiding the squad with discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game. His contributions have been invaluable, and under his leadership, we have witnessed historic moments that will be remembered for years to come.”

Brathwaite’s departure from the captaincy paves the way for a new leader, who will be announced in the coming weeks. The new captain will take charge for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia in June and July 2025. Although stepping down from the captaincy, Brathwaite’s experience and leadership will continue to benefit the team as a senior player.

Shai Hope Takes Over as T20 Captain

In a parallel shift, Shai Hope has been appointed as the new captain of the West Indies Men’s T20 team, replacing Jamaican Rovman Powell. This decision follows discussions with CWI’s All-Formats Head Coach, Daren Sammy, and was communicated by Bascombe. Powell, who led the T20 team since 2023, received the news with professionalism and grace.

“I have expressed to him [Powell] that he ought to feel dignified by his contributions to West Indies cricket, as he has played a crucial role in elevating our T20 team to new heights,” Bascombe said. “His leadership has left a strong foundation, and we are grateful for his efforts.”

Hope, who already captains the Windies’ One-Day International (ODI) team, will now take charge of the T20 squad for the first time during the six-match T20 series away in England and Ireland in June 2025.

Powell, during his time as captain, led the West Indies to notable victories, including a series win over India, England, and South Africa on home soil.