West Indies cricket fans have seen their share of ups and downs, but the latest twist in the team’s journey brings a familiar face back into the spotlight. Trinidadian left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, age 34, has been called up to the West Indies’ 15-man T20 squad for the high-stakes, three-match series against Bangladesh, set to unfold from October 27 to October 31, 2025. The series, scheduled to take place in Chittagong, follows a tough ODI campaign where the Windies fell 2-1 to the hosts, capped by a bruising 179-run defeat in the final match on October 23.
Pierre’s return to the T20 squad is both a testament to his resilience and a reflection of the team’s current challenges. He steps in as a direct replacement for the injured Shamar Joseph. Joseph, just 26, has been sidelined by a persistent shoulder injury that kept him out of not only the recent Test series against India earlier this month but also the ODI series against Bangladesh. According to a Cricket West Indies update, Joseph is now headed for specialist consultation in England to kickstart his rehabilitation. His absence leaves a void, especially given his reputation as an exciting fast bowler on the rise.
For Pierre, this recall marks a significant milestone in a career that’s been defined by perseverance and adaptability. He was a constant presence in the just-concluded ODI series, playing all three matches. While his wicket tally stood at just one for the series, his experience and left-arm spin proved valuable as the Windies navigated a tough Bangladeshi batting lineup. In the decisive third ODI, Pierre bowled his full quota of 10 overs, conceding 46 runs but failing to claim a wicket. With the bat, he finished not out on zero as the West Indies struggled to 117 all out in 30.1 overs.
Bangladesh, for their part, were relentless in that final ODI at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur. Their innings was anchored by impressive knocks from Soumya Sarkar (91 off 86 balls) and Saif Hassan (80 off 72 balls), propelling them to a formidable 296 for 8 in 50 overs. The West Indies bowlers, including Akeal Hosein (who picked up four wickets for 41 runs), Gudakesh Motie, Roston Chase, and Pierre, toiled hard but couldn’t stem the flow of runs. When it was their turn to bat, only Hosein (27 off 15 balls) and Brandon King (18 off 17 balls) offered any real resistance. The rest of the lineup faltered against a disciplined Bangladeshi attack led by Nasum Ahmed (three wickets for 11 runs) and Rishad Hossain (three for 54).
With the ODI series wrapped up in favour of Bangladesh, attention now shifts to the T20 leg. The West Indies’ squad for the series boasts a blend of youth and experience. Alongside Pierre, the spin department features Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, both of whom have had their moments of brilliance in recent months. The squad is captained by Shai Hope and includes talents like Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, and Ramon Simmonds.
Pierre’s journey back to the T20 fold is particularly noteworthy given his recent domestic form. After a standout 2025 First-Class season with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, he earned his maiden Test cap in the recent series against India. His last appearance in a T20 International for the West Indies came back in 2020 against Ireland. Since then, he’s accumulated ten T20 caps for the Windies, collecting seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.60. While those numbers may not leap off the page, his ability to bowl in the middle overs and keep things tight could prove invaluable on the slow, turning tracks of Chittagong.
"It’s always an honour to represent the West Indies, and I’m ready to give my all for the team," Pierre said upon receiving the call-up, according to Cricket West Indies. His selection is as much about his current form as it is about his experience in subcontinental conditions, where spinners often play a decisive role. With Shamar Joseph’s injury, the Windies’ think tank clearly decided that Pierre’s steady hand and tactical nous would be crucial against a Bangladesh side brimming with confidence.
The T20 series opener is set for 8 am Trinidad and Tobago time on October 27. The teams will then face off again on October 29 and October 31, all matches taking place in Chittagong. As the Windies look to bounce back from their ODI disappointment, much will depend on how their spinners adapt to Bangladeshi conditions and whether the batting lineup can find its footing against a home attack that’s proven both disciplined and aggressive.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be riding high on the momentum from their ODI series win. Their top-order batsmen have shown they can build big totals, and their bowlers—especially the spinners—have repeatedly put the squeeze on visiting sides. The hosts’ squad for thT20S0s, though not detailed in the available materials, is expected to feature many of the same faces who starred in the ODI series, including the likes of Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, and Nasum Ahmed.
For the West Indies, the T20 series is more than just a chance for redemption; it’s an opportunity to experiment with combinations and build momentum ahead of future international commitments. The inclusion of young talents like Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste alongside veterans such as Jason Holder and Rovman Powell suggests a squad in transition, eager to find the right balance between flair and discipline.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to Chittagong, fans on both sides will be watching closely to see how Pierre and his fellow spinners fare against Bangladesh’s aggressive batting unit. Can the Windies regroup and turn the tables in the shortest format, or will Bangladesh continue their dominance on home soil? With the first ball set to be bowled in just days, all eyes are on the action ahead.
With Khary Pierre’s unexpected return, the West Indies’ T20 squad enters the Bangladesh series with renewed hope and a point to prove. The coming matches promise drama, skill, and perhaps a few surprises—just the way cricket fans like it.
