West Indies vs Nepal T20I Series 2025 Announced
1. Introduction – A New Era in Global Cricket
In a groundbreaking development for Associate and Full Member cricket relations, the West Indies have officially announced a three-match T20I bilateral series against Nepal, set to take place in Sharjah from September 27 to 30, 2025. This will mark the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, signalling Cricket West Indies’ commitment to expanding the sport beyond traditional borders and promoting inclusivity in international cricket.
2. Sharjah to Host the Historic Encounter
While the series involves Nepal and the West Indies, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been chosen as the neutral venue for this landmark T20I series. Hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the matches are seen as a strategic opportunity to showcase Nepal’s growing stature in world cricket and provide them with crucial match experience ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
3. CWI’s Vision: Growth, Globalisation, and Responsibility
Chris Dehring, CEO of Cricket West Indies, underlined the significance of this series in a passionate statement. He referred to the series as more than just a cricketing contest—it is a “celebration of cricket’s expanding global footprint.” According to Dehring, this initiative is part of CWI’s broader mission to support the growth of cricket at both grassroots and international levels, especially in emerging cricket nations like Nepal.
He stated, “As a full-member nation, we see it as part of our responsibility to contribute to the development of cricket beyond our borders.”
4. Nepal’s Rapid Rise in International Cricket
The announcement comes at a time when Nepal has been in red-hot form, especially in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Their recent triumphs, including two wins over the Netherlands and a thrilling 297-run chase against Scotland, underline their growth as a formidable Associate team.
Nepal nearly chased down 324 in a repeat fixture against Scotland, narrowly falling short by just a few runs. These performances have not gone unnoticed, and the series against a traditional cricketing powerhouse like the West Indies is a reflection of Nepal’s rising credibility on the world stage.
5. Significance for Nepal – A Step Toward the Big League
For Nepal, this series is much more than just a set of international fixtures. It is an opportunity to prove their mettle against elite opposition and gain valuable exposure ahead of their bid to qualify for T20 World Cup 2026. Playing against a Full Member team will also help Nepal test their skillsets, improve squad depth, and enhance their tactical understanding under pressure.
Furthermore, it provides an ideal platform for young Nepali players to grab international attention and possibly earn spots in global T20 leagues.
6. West Indies’ Squad Composition: A Potentially Mixed Outfit
While the West Indies are expected to field a competitive squad, there could be a few key absentees due to schedule overlap. The India Test series, beginning on October 2, may result in players like Shai Hope—who has just earned a Test recall—and Alzarri Joseph being unavailable.
This opens the door for fringe and young West Indian players to step up, making this series a proving ground for upcoming talent. Expect several Caribbean Premier League (CPL) stars and uncapped youngsters to be part of this three-match contest.
7. Match Schedule and Fixtures
As per the official announcement, the fixtures for the West Indies vs Nepal T20I series are as follows:
•1st T20I – September 27, 2025
•2nd T20I – September 28, 2025
•3rd T20I – September 30, 2025
All three games will be played in Sharjah, a venue known for its historic cricketing moments and fan-friendly atmosphere.
8. CWI and CAN: Setting an Example for Cricket Diplomacy
This series is a strong example of how cricket diplomacy can work. By stepping forward to support Nepal, CWI is playing a leadership role in shaping cricket’s future landscape. This move will not only help Nepal, but also set a precedent for other Full Member boards to engage with Associate nations more meaningfully.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), on the other hand, has done an admirable job securing this bilateral series, further proving their administrative growth and commitment to elevating Nepal’s cricketing journey.
9. A Win-Win for Global Cricket
The upcoming series holds mutual benefits for both teams. While Nepal gets a rare chance to compete against high-quality opposition, West Indies get to test their bench strength and contribute to the global cause of developing cricket. For fans and analysts, it promises to be a fascinating contest between flair and hunger, experience and ambition.
With globalisation being a key goal for the ICC and all its members, such initiatives become crucial steps in growing the game sustainably.
10. Conclusion – All Eyes on Sharjah in September
The West Indies vs Nepal T20I series scheduled for late September 2025 promises to be historic and symbolic. It’s a reflection of cricket’s ability to transcend boundaries and an example of how the game is evolving beyond the traditional elite nations. With Nepal rising rapidly and West Indies aiming to rediscover their T20 glory, the three-match series in Sharjah is not just about competition—it’s about unity, growth, and the spirit of cricket.
