CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Craig Brathwaite has resigned as captain of the West Indies Test team, ending a four-year leadership tenure. Meanwhile, Shai Hope has been appointed the new T20 captain of the West Indies. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the decision on Monday.

The 32-year-old Brathwaite took over the Test captaincy in March 2021, replacing Jason Holder. On the other hand, Shai Hope, who already leads the ODI side, will now replace Rovman Powell as the T20 captain. Powell had been captaining the T20 side since May 2023.

CWI’s head coach Darren Sammy stated via the board’s official X (formerly Twitter) account,

“The decision to appoint Shai Hope as T20 captain was made with the team’s growth and the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind.”

Historic Wins Under Brathwaite’s Captaincy

During Brathwaite’s leadership, West Indies achieved several historic victories. Just last year, the team secured its first Test win in 27 years on Australian soil, beating Australia in Brisbane. Earlier this year, West Indies earned a historic Test series draw against Pakistan, their first in 34 years.

In 2022, West Indies defeated England in a home Test series under Brathwaite’s captaincy, and in 2021, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they whitewashed Bangladesh 2-0 in an away Test series.

Reason for Stepping Down

According to a statement by CWI,

“Brathwaite wanted to ensure the team had enough time to transition before his departure. Therefore, he chose to step down ahead of the home Test series against Australia, allowing the new leadership to settle in.”

Brathwaite has played 98 Test matches, and the upcoming series against Australia will be special for him as he nears his 100th Test appearance.

CWI added,

“We thank Craig Brathwaite for his contributions and leadership. A new Test captain will be announced soon.”

Upcoming West Indies Fixtures

West Indies will host Australia in a home Test series between June and July, marking the beginning of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

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