The West Indies Under-19 cricket squad is intensifying its preparatory efforts with ambitious aspirations for the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup, set to take place across Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026. Under the leadership of captain Joshua Dorne and head coach Rohan Nurse, the Caribbean team aims to replicate their historic 2016 triumph when they clinched their sole championship title in the tournament’s history.
A notable inclusion in the selected roster is Antiguan batsman Jewel Andrew, who brings valuable senior-level experience to the youth team. Andrew made his international debut in both One Day Internationals and T20 International formats during 2024, in addition to recording a half-century in the competitive Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
Team captain Dorne expressed enthusiastic optimism about their prospects, emphasizing the significance of international exposure. “The opportunity to compete in an ICC tournament against diverse international squads provides invaluable experience for every player,” the Barbadian cricketer stated. “Jewel’s inclusion substantially strengthens our lineup given his established international background.”
Vice-captain Jonathan Van Lange echoed this positive outlook, acknowledging his inaugural World Cup participation. “I’m eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead,” the Guyanese player commented. “This represents my first major international tournament, and I’m focused on delivering strong performances through dedicated training sessions with our pathway coaches.”
Head Coach Nurse emphasized the program’s broader developmental objectives, noting: “From the initial stages, we’ve prioritized educating these young athletes about international cricket standards, both for youth ODI competitions and future professional careers. They’re learning to balance off-field preparation with on-field execution while appreciating the opportunities presented to them.”