Daren Sammy reveals Alzarri Joseph turned down Pakistan Tests despite selection; CWI’s ‘personal reasons’ claim questioned

Daren Sammy makes surprising revelation on Alzarri Joseph’s absence

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has disclosed that premier fast bowler Alzarri Joseph opted out of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, contradicting the explanation initially provided by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

When CWI announced the 15-member squad for the two-match series, the board stated that Joseph would miss the matches due to personal reasons. However, Sammy has now clarified that the speedster had been selected but decided not to make himself available.

The head coach did not elaborate on the reasons behind Joseph’s decision, saying the matter was one for the cricket board to address.

Joseph was in strong form before opting out

The development comes as a surprise considering Alzarri Joseph had been one of the standout performers for West Indies in recent months.

The right-arm pacer featured in both Tests against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets, before carrying that form into the ODI series against New Zealand. In the opening one-day international, Joseph delivered an outstanding spell of 4/41, helping West Indies begin the series with victory.

His absence leaves a significant gap in the Caribbean pace attack ahead of an important World Test Championship assignment.

West Indies back pace attack despite setback

Despite losing one of his most experienced fast bowlers, Daren Sammy remains confident that the remaining bowling unit has the quality to challenge Pakistan.

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The pace attack will now be led by Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales, while all-rounders Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul provide additional seam-bowling depth.

The spin department will be headed by vice-captain Jomel Warrican, debutant Joshua Bishop, and skipper Roston Chase, giving the hosts a balanced bowling combination for home conditions.

Sammy expressed confidence that his bowlers possess the ability to dismiss Pakistan twice in each Test despite Joseph’s absence.

Important WTC points at stake

The two-match contest forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, making it a crucial series for both nations early in the new cycle.

The opening Test is scheduled to begin on July 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with play running until July 28.

The second and final Test will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2 to August 6.

Both teams will be eager to collect valuable championship points as they begin their campaigns in the new WTC cycle.

West Indies Test squad against Pakistan

The West Indies squad for the series includes Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales.