Cricket West Indies awards Historic multi year contracts to players

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made a landmark move by awarding multi-year contracts for several of its top men's and women's players for the next two years. This historic step comes as part of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January 2024 between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA). A total of 15 men's and 15 women's players have been contracted, with six men's and three women's players receiving multi-year deals.

A New Era for West Indies Cricket

The awarding of multi-year contracts marks a significant shift in how CWI approaches player retention and development. The multi-year contracts are based on performances during the 2023-2024 evaluation period, emphasizing a commitment to rewarding consistent and top-level play. CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, commended the players' acceptance of the new contracts as a sign of confidence and commitment from both parties. Bascombe highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue between CWI and players to adapt to the realities of modern cricket.

Men’s International Retainer Contracts

The men's contracted player pool remains largely stable, with only two new additions—Kavem Hodge and Roston Chase. Hodge's contributions in West Indies' historic win in Australia and his maiden Test century against England earned him his first international contract. Meanwhile, Roston Chase's impressive all-round performance in T20 internationals and ODIs secured his place.

Two prominent names—Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kemar Roach—are no longer on international retainer contracts. Chanderpaul will be taking up a franchise retainer contract, while Roach is in discussions for a dual role involving playing and mentorship as he transitions towards the next phase of his career. Roach's role will contribute to CWI's Elite and High-Performance strategic pillar, focusing on developing upcoming talent.

WI Men's Players Awarded Multi-Year Contracts:

Shai Hope

Alzarri Joseph

Shamar Joseph

Brandon King

Gudakesh Motie

Jayden Seales

WI Men's Players Awarded One-Year Contracts:

Alick Athanaze

Kraigg Brathwaite

Keacy Carty

Roston Chase*

Joshua Da Silva

Kavem Hodge*

Akeal Hosein

Romario Shepherd

Rovman Powell

Women’s International Retainer Contracts

The women's contract pool has also been consistent, with several players shifting contract grades annually. The updated performance assessment structure for the women's team now mirrors that of the men’s teams. This change aligns with CWI’s commitment to achieve parity in pay and match fees across men's and women's professional cricket by October 2027.

WI Women's Players Awarded Multi-Year Contracts:

Shemaine Campbelle

Hayley Matthews

Stafanie Taylor

WI Women's Players Awarded One-Year Contracts:

Aaliyah Alleyne

Shamilia Connell

Deandra Dottin

Afy Fletcher

Cherry Ann Fraser

Chinelle Henry

Zaida James

Qiana Joseph

Ashmini Munisar*

Chedean Nation

Karishma Ramharack

Rashada Williams

Ashmini Munisar has been awarded her first international contract following a standout performance in the CG United Super50 tournament, where she emerged as the leading wicket-taker.

Supporting Future Talent

In addition to awarding retainer contracts, Jannillea Glasgow, Mandy Mangru, and Shabika Gajnabi have been offered WI Women Academy contracts. Sheneta Grimmond, meanwhile, will take up a new franchise retainer. These moves reflect CWI's commitment to supporting and nurturing upcoming talent for the future.

The contract period runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, for one-year contracts, while the multi-year contracts extend to September 30, 2026. This historic step aims to foster a stable and high-performance culture in West Indies cricket, preparing players for elite competition on the international stage.