West Indies Test cricket has entered a new era as Kraigg Brathwaite officially stepped down from his role as captain. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed his resignation on March 31, 2025, expressing gratitude for his leadership and contributions to the team.
Brathwaite took over the captaincy in March 2021 and led the team through several historic moments. Under his leadership, the West Indies secured a landmark Test victory in Australia in 2024—their first in 27 years—by defeating the hosts in Brisbane. Earlier this year, the team also recorded a historic Test win against Pakistan on Pakistani soil, a feat not achieved in 34 years. Additionally, Brathwaite guided the team to a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in 2021 and a crucial home series victory against England in 2022.
Brathwaite had previously indicated his intention to resign, aiming for a smooth transition in leadership ahead of the upcoming home series against Australia. His decision allows the new captain ample time to establish themselves before the next ICC World Test Championship cycle. While stepping down from the captaincy, Brathwaite remains an integral part of the West Indies Test squad and is expected to continue contributing as a senior batsman.
As part of broader leadership changes, CWI also announced the appointment of Shai Hope as the new Twenty20 International (T20I) captain. Hope, who already serves as the One-Day International (ODI) skipper, replaces Rovman Powell in the T20 format. Powell had successfully led the West Indies to series victories over India, England, and South Africa, as well as to the Super 8 stage in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Brathwaite’s resignation marks a significant shift in West Indies cricket, and the team now looks forward to a new leadership era. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these transitions impact the team’s performance in upcoming series and tournaments.