Antigua, Apr 1 (UNI) Cricket West Indies has confirmed shuffles in their leadership group as Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite stepped down from his role in the longest format.

The Windies are yet to appoint Brathwaite’s successor, who will take over from their first assignment in the next ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025/27) in the home series against Australia this summer.

On the other hand, ODI captain Shai Hope has also been named as skipper of the T20I side, replacing Rovman Powell in the role.

Brathwaite was named Test skipper back in 2021. Under his leadership, West Indies notched their first Test win in Australia after 27 years back in 2024 - scripting a memorable triumph at the Gabba.

Earlier this year, Brathwaite also led the Windies to a milestone win over Pakistan to close their ICC World Test Championship 2023/25 campaign - their first Test win in the country in 1990.

Powell on the other hand, had been the West Indies T20I skipper since 2023, and also led them during the Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which was co-hosted by the Windies, an ICC report said.

Shai Hope, who was already captaining the ODI side since 2022, assumes the role in the shortest format as well.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy voiced his support for the 31-year-old.

“Shai Hope’s appointment signals a progressive shift for West Indies cricket, given his success

with the 50 over team in the last 18 months," Sammy was quoted by Cricket West Indies.

"As the team continues its evolution, Hope blends instinctive decision-making with analytical precision, using in-depth match data and player performance insights to shape strategy.

"Shai is a strong believer in team performances and his meticulous preparation, coupled with

his calm and composed demeanor under pressure, makes him an ideal leader at this stage.”

Hope will begin his tenure as T20I skipper on the tour of Ireland and England featuring three

T20Is each against the two sides in June.

UNI BM