Sarwan, Ramdin, Simmons named in provisional squad for Over-40 World Cup

GEORGETOWN, Guyana:

Former stars Ramnaresh Sarwan, Denish Ramdin and Lendl Simmons headline a 29-man provisional West Indies squad named to take part in the IMC Over-40s Masters Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held here later this year.

The final team will be announced by the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) for the tournament, which will run from October 17-31.

Devendra Bishoo, Dale Richards, Narsingh Deonarine - all former West Indies players - are also in the provisional squad.

Up to 16 nations are expected to compete, including major Test-playing countries such as Australia, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa.

Team manager Daniel Sadeo said the squad, comprised of former international players alongside proven regional performers, was assembled to take full advantage of home conditions.

The West Indies were finalists in last year's tournament in Pakistan.

Spin bowling is expected to be the squad's primary weapon. Led by Bishoo, it also includes Neil McGarrell, Sunil Dhaniram, Antonnel Atwell, Rakesh Maharaj, and Deonarine.

Additional variety comes from Imran Khan of Trinidad & Tobago, giving the selectors multiple slow-bowling options capable of exploiting Guyana's traditionally low, turning pitches.

BATTING UNIT

The batting unit is equally experienced, led by Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Sunil Dhaniram and Simmons, with former West Indies wicketkeeper Ramdin and Rayad Emrit adding further stability with both bat, ball and gloves.

In the seam bowling department, Larry Babb, Rudy Hinds, and Trevon Garraway provide support, while additional batting and spin resources give selectors flexibility as they work toward a final squad of 16 to 18 players.

Sadeo is confident the squad has been selected with the right balance in mind.

"We've selected experience with a plan. Guyana rewards discipline and spin; we have that in abundance. Fitness will be managed, but cricket IQ is paramount. This squad knows how to win on these tracks," he said.