Gudakesh Motie’s call-up as a reserve player for the West Indies at the ICC World T20 is reward for his performances in the CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the Hero Caribbean Premier League, both of which were held in 2021.
That’s according to Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chairman of Selectors, Roger Harper.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced that Guyanese Motie has been drafted in as a reserve player for West Indies, replacing fellow left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who has moved up to the 15-man squad after dynamic all-rounder Fabian Allen was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.
“I also congratulate Gudakesh Motie, whose performances in CG Insurance Super50 and CPL have resulted in him being added to the reserves as spin bowling cover,” Harper told CWI Media.
The change to the West Indies squad has been approved by the ICC tournament’s technical committee.
Motie is due to fly to the United Arab Emirates where he will be able to join the West Indies squad as a reserve, once he has completed the six days of mandatory quarantine with the required negative COVID-19 test results.
Motie was the leading wicket-taker in the CG Insurance Super50, claiming 17 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 4.56. He averaged 16.64 and a had a best return of 4-45.
In the Hero CPL, Motie picked up eight wickets in six games at an average of 15.50 and economy rate of 6.52 with a best of 3-25.
Harper also touched on the withdrawal of Allen and the promotion of Hosein to the 15-man squad.
“I know Fabian was really looking forward to playing in this World Cup, so it is very disappointing that he is forced to miss out. His all-round capabilities will be missed by the team. I would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to him being available for squad selection in the near future,” Harper said.
“I take the opportunity to congratulate Akeal on being drafted into the 15-member squad and look forward to him continuing the good form he displayed throughout the year.”
