Kyle Mayers To Replace Injured Brandon King In West Indies T20 World Cup Team

Kyle Mayers was approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday, June 21, as a replacement for the injured Brandon King in the West Indies squad for the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2024.

King sustained a side strain during West Indies' defeat to England in their Super 8 opener earlier in the week. The right-handed opener was helped off the field after injuring himself while batting on 23 off 12 balls.

Cricket West Indies awaited MRI scan results and confirmed that King would not participate further in the tournament. Mayers, who was part of the reserves, received approval as his replacement.

"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 has approved left-handed batter Kyle Mayers as a replacement for Brandon King in the West Indies squad. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad," ICC stated.

Mayers, a left-handed opener, will join the squad on Saturday, June 22. He is expected to play for the co-hosts for the rest of the tournament.

During the game against England on Wednesday, King was performing well in the powerplay. He scored 23 runs in just 12 deliveries, setting a strong foundation for a potential 200-plus total for West Indies.

King hit a 101-metre six off Reece Topley, resulting in a replacement ball. However, he got injured on his 13th delivery while attempting to hit Sam Curran through the cover region.

King collapsed after taking another step and was forced to retire hurt after receiving medical attention from West Indies staff. He did not field during England's run chase of 181, with Shimron Hetmyer substituting as a fielder. Cricket West Indies confirmed that King suffered a side strain.

King's absence is a significant setback for West Indies' title hopes. He has been their leading run-scorer in T20Is since early 2023, amassing 651 runs in 23 innings, including four fifties.

Mayers has had a decent year in 2024, featuring in 11 T20I games and scoring 367 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.50.

In King's absence, Shai Hope played in the Super 8 match against USA. Mayers will join the squad in time for West Indies' final Super 8 clash against South Africa on Sunday, June 23.