Akeal Hosein named as a replacement player for Fabian Allen in the West Indies team

Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein will replace all-rounder Fabian Allen in the team for International T20 Cup. Allen was originally in the 15-member squad announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) selectors but now is set to miss out due to an ankle injury. Hosein, who was in the team as a traveling reserve will now be in the West Indies team, as he was approved as a replacement player by International Cricket Council (ICC) Event Technical Committee.

Hosein, who made his debut this year has played 9 ODIs 6 T20Is since January 2021. He has picked 14 wickets across both formats. The 28-year-old was seen in good form in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season as he managed to pick 13 wickets in 11 matches for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

Not only wickets, but he managed to keep the batters under a tight leash as well as he had the second-best economy rate. The left-spinner was also seen as a net bowler in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side during the UAE leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

On the other hand, Allen is gutted to be missing out on the showpiece event. CWI chief selector Roger Harper said his all-around skills will be missed during the International T20 Cup.

"I know Fabian was really looking forward to playing in this World Cup, so it is very disappointing that he is forced to miss out," Roger Harper, West Indies' chief selector said, according to ESPN Cricinfo. "His all-around capabilities will be missed by the team. I would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to him being available for squad selection in the near future."

West Indies begin their T20 campaign by playing against England on Saturday (October 23).