Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that Shimron Hetmyer has been replaced from the West Indies squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Shamarh Brooks has been named as the replacement and the same has been informed by the board to International Cricket Council (ICC).

The decision was taken by the CWI selection committee after Hetmyer missed his re-scheduled flight to Australia on Monday (October 3), which was previously changed from Saturday on his request due to family reasons. 

CWI stated: “With flight availability a real challenge, a seat was found for him to leave Guyana today, Monday 3 October, meaning he would unfortunately miss the 1st T20 International (T20I) against Australia on Wednesday 5 October at the Metricon Stadium. This morning, Mr. Hetmyer, informed the Director of Cricket that he would not be able to get to the airport in time for his flight this afternoon to New York.”

“This afternoon we informed the CWI Board of Directors that the Selection Panel had unanimously decided to replace Shimron Hetmyer with Shamarh Brooks in our T20 World Cup squad. Whilst we changed Shimron’s flight from Saturday to Monday due to family reasons, it was made clear to him that if there were any further delays and issues with his travel to Australia then we would have no choice but to replace him in the squad, as we are not prepared to compromise the team’s ability to prepare for this extremely important global event.”

“Shamarh has been a part of our recent T20 International squads and delivered strong performances in the latter stages of the recently concluded CPL. He will fly out as soon as possible this week to Australia and I wish him and all the squad all the very best for the Tournament.”

Two-time winners West Indies will have to qualify for the Super 12s via the qualifier round where they will face Ireland, Scotland and Zimbabwe in Group B.