Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as captain of the West Indies Test cricket team. Brathwaite, 32, led the team in 39 Test matches, achieving notable successes, such as their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with a thrilling eight-run win in Brisbane in 2024. CWI expressed deep gratitude for Brathwaite’s dedication and successful leadership.
In a concurrent development, Shai Hope has been appointed as the new captain of the West Indies Twenty20 team, in addition to his role as the one-day international skipper. Hope, 31, replaces Rovman Powell, who has led the T20 since 2023. Under Powell’s leadership, the West Indies enjoyed a resurgence in T20 cricket, securing home series victories against India, England, and South Africa and advancing to the Super 8 stage at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
These leadership changes come ahead of the upcoming home series against Australia, marking the start of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. The series will be particularly significant for Brathwaite, who is two matches shy of 100 Test appearances, as it will allow him to focus on his batting without the added responsibility of captaincy.
