Windies women set for World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan

Allrounder Hayley Matthews will lead a 15-member West Indies women’s squad into the International Cricket Council Women’s Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Lahore, Pakistan from April 9-19.

A Cricket West Indies (CWI) release said the West Indies team were scheduled to depart for a pre-tournament camp in the UAE on March 24. With two qualifying spots up for grabs for the October-November 2025 tourney which will be held in India, Matthews’ charges must navigate the threats of Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, Scotland and Thailand to cement their spot in the World Cup.

The two successful teams in the qualifiers will join Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India in the main draw of the tourney.

West Indies will begin their qualifying campaign on April 9 against Scotland at the Lahore City Cricket Association, before taking on Ireland at the Gaddafi Stadium on April 11. They will then round off their qualifying campaign with matches against Pakistan (April 14), Bangladesh (April 17) and Thailand (April 19).

West Indies coach Shane Deitz said preparations have been going well.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament with some really good teams to play against, but we’re right up for the challenge,” Deitz said.

“We know how important it is to qualify for the World Cup…but obviously, all teams will be doing everything they can to get those two spots in the World Cup.

“We have to be at our best in every game, prepare well off the field, trust our skills, play our best cricket and the result will take care of itself.”

The squad announcement sees the welcome return of former skipper Stafanie Taylor, along with allrounder Chinelle Henry who featured in the 2025 Women’s Premier League for UP Warriorz.

The team has been dealt a blow, though, as star allrounder Deandra Dottin, who returned to the international circuit last year, has been ruled out through injury alongside Nerissa Crafton and Djenaba Joseph.

Matthews said she and her teammates are focused on playing their best cricket without distractions.

“As we head into the World Cup qualifiers, we know we’ve prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family and we’ve all been enjoying ourselves out on the park.”

West Indies women's squad:

Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabiki Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chenille Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mungru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.