In an unprecedented development, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a significant shift in its player contract policy, announcing multi-year central contracts for several of its prominent male and female cricketers for the next two years. This landmark decision represents a new era for West Indies cricket and comes after the completion of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), signed in January.
Cricket West Indies has revealed the list of central contracts that include 15 men’s cricketers and an equal number of women players. This marks a substantial commitment by the board towards securing the future of its cricketing talent. Among those who have been awarded contracts, seasoned campaigners such as Deandra Dottin and Roston Chase make notable returns, reflecting the balance of experience and emerging talent within the team dynamics.
Key figures in the men’s squad, such as ODI captain Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales, have all been recognized with multi-year contracts. This illustrates CWI’s strategy to build a robust core team capable of consistent performance at the international level. These players represent the new wave of cricketing excellence that West Indies hopes will drive their success in upcoming fixtures.
In the women’s lineup, stalwarts like Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, and Stafanie Taylor have also been awarded multi-year contracts. These players have been crucial to the team’s successes and are expected to play integral roles in elevating the performance standards of West Indies women’s cricket over the coming years.
The announcement also brings to the fore fresh faces such as batter Kavem Hodge and allrounder Ashmini Munisar, both of whom have been awarded their first central contracts. Their inclusion highlights CWI’s investment in nurturing emerging talent and providing them with the platform needed to excel and grow at the highest levels of the sport.
However, the absence of former captains Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder from the central contracts list has raised eyebrows among fans and cricket analysts alike.
. Additionally, veteran allrounder Andre Russell has also been left out. These omissions suggest a strategic redirection or perhaps an emphasis on reshaping the team towards newer prospects and alignments that fit within the current vision of West Indies’ cricket.
For players who have earned a one-year contract, the period extends from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Meanwhile, those awarded multi-year contracts have secured their futures from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026. This structure underscores the board’s commitment to fostering stability and confidence among its contracted players.
Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, expressed his congratulations to the cohort that has received contracts, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in today’s cricket landscape. “CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players and being practical about the realities of the modern game,” Bascombe remarked. He noted that the acceptance of multi-year contracts is a testament to the clarity, confidence, and commitment shared between the players and the board.
Bascombe further highlighted the significance of such agreements as indicative of the progress achieved during the recent assessment period and expressed optimism for the future. “I’d like to congratulate the entire contracted cohort on their performances in the last assessment period and I look forward to them building on those in the next one,” he added, acknowledging the collaborative effort between players and administration.
This progressive move by Cricket West Indies signifies a strategic endeavor to revitalize the team while simultaneously providing a secure environment for players. As West Indies cricket sails into uncharted waters, all eyes will be on how these strategic moves pay off in terms of performance and results on the international stage.
