Shamar Joseph sidelined from ILT20 due to toe injury

In a recent turn of events, Shamar Joseph, the West Indies fast bowler, has been forced to withdraw from his upcoming stint with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 due to a toe injury sustained during the Gabba Test against Australia.

Despite initial fears of a fracture following a fierce yorker from Mitchell Starc, scans revealed no structural damage. Battling through pain on the fourth day, Joseph delivered a remarkable spell, claiming seven for 68 and propelling West Indies to a historic eight-run victory, their first in Australia since 1997. 

Unexpectedly thrust into action after receiving painkillers from the team physio, Joseph's commitment shone through as he declared to his captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, "I'm not putting down this ball until the last wicket falls."

Originally slated to join the ILT20 directly from the Australia tour, Joseph will now return home for recovery before participating in the PSL. Despite his remarkable T20 performances, Joseph asserted his allegiance to Test cricket.

"I will always be here to play Test cricket for the West Indies. I am not afraid to say this live. There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there … but I will always be available to play for the West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me," he said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

Following his heroics at the Gabba, Joseph received widespread acclaim in the Caribbean, dominating headlines and attracting praise from regional leaders on social media. As his popularity soars, managing Joseph's workload becomes crucial for West Indies selectors, with concerns raised by former cricketer Ian Bishop about potential burnout.

The unexpected injury puts Joseph's participation in the T20 World Cup in June, hosted in the Caribbean, into question. However, fans can anticipate his return to Test cricket during the tour of England in July, where West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests.

Shai Hope and Rovman Powell will lead the side in ODIs and T20Is 

As the ODI series against Australia kicks off in Melbourne, West Indies faces adjustments in leadership, with Shai Hope captaining the side and Rovman Powell taking over as skipper for the subsequent T20Is. Joseph's absence from the ILT20 is undoubtedly a setback, but West Indies remain hopeful for his swift recovery and future contributions in the longer format.