20-20 World Cup: Jason Holder added to West Indies squad as replacement for injured Obed McCoy  

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder will join the West Indies 20-20 World Cup squad as a replacement for pacer Obed McCoy, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shin injury. The left-pacer picked up this untimely injury during the team’s first match against England.

The event's technical committee approved the all-rounder’s inclusion in the 15-member West Indies team after Cricket West Indies (CWI) requested the same. "The defending T20 World champions asked to replace Obed McCoy in their squad for the remainder of the tournament after the bowler was diagnosed with an injury to his right leg.

“And an ICC Event Technical Committee made up of Chris Tetley (Head of Events, Chair), Clive Hitchcock (ICC Senior Cricket Operations Manager), Rahul Dravid and Dhiraj Malhotra (BCCI Representatives), Simon Doull and Ian Bishop (Independent Members) approved the change on Wednesday 27 October, allowing Jason Holder to join the 15,” ICC said in a statement on Thursday.

Holder has been in the UAE for a while owing to the IPL and was one of the few positives for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). He picked up 16 wickets and scored 85 runs in 8 matches he played for the team. The all-rounder was one of the travelling reserves of the West Indies team.

West Indies chief selector Roger Harper is thrilled to have got Holder onboard for the remainder of the tournament. He feels the all-rounder will be a good fit due in the team due to his vast amount of experience and sound knowledge of the game. “Jason Holder has been in the UAE for a while now and will fit quite well into the team unit. He is an experienced and knowledgeable cricketer who we know will be eager and excited to grab the opportunity.”

Holder will be available for the selection for West Indies' third game against Bangladesh on Friday (October 29).