Holder Lauded by CWI for World Cup Team of the Tournament Selection

ST JOHN'S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended formal congratulations to Barbadian all-rounder Jason Holder for his selection to the official Team of the Tournament for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The 34-year-old veteran, a member of the West Indies' 2016 championship-winning squad, was the sole representative from the regional side to earn a spot among the event's elite, as chosen by a panel of respected former players and commentators covering the global showpiece. Holder's inclusion caps a superb individual campaign where he delivered significant performances with both bat and ball, playing a pivotal role in the West Indies' journey through the month-long competition.

Holder's statistics underscore his all-round value. He claimed ten wickets with the ball while contributing 141 vital runs with the bat, doing so at a remarkable strike rate of 174.07 and an average of 35.25. His ability to impact games in multiple phases was a consistent feature of the West Indies' campaign. One of his defining contributions came during the group stage against England, where his powerful innings of 33 runs from just 17 deliveries propelled the Caribbean side to a competitive total of 196 for six. Those runs proved decisive in a 30-run victory, showcasing his knack for performing in high-pressure situations.

The former West Indies captain also etched his name into the tournament's record books during the Super Eights stage. Facing South Africa in Ahmedabad, Holder combined with Romario Shepherd in a world-record eighth-wicket partnership of 89 runs. Coming to the crease with the West Indies in deep trouble at 83 for 7, Holder's counter-attacking 49 from 31 balls helped rescue the innings and demonstrated his immense composure under duress. He produced another crucial late flourish against eventual champions India, striking 37 from 22 balls to help lift his team to a competitive 195 for four in their encounter.

Reflecting on the honour, Holder expressed pride in the recognition, noting it was a significant achievement in what he described as his first full T20 World Cup campaign. 'This is a proud moment and achievement in what was really my first full T20 World Cup, as surprising as it may sound,' Holder stated. 'I just felt like everything for me was in alignment. My game is in a good place, I kept things simple, lived in the moment and contributed whenever the team needed me.' CWI's Director of Cricket, Miles Bascomb, highlighted Holder's leadership and experience as invaluable assets to the squad, praising his consistent ability to deliver when it mattered most for the Men in Maroon.