In a historic first, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the awarding of multi-year contracts to nine West Indies cricketers, marking a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by the burgeoning global T20 leagues. Among the recipients of these contracts are ODI vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, pace sensation Shamar Joseph, women’s T20I skipper Hayley Matthews, and her deputy Shemaine Campbelle.
This decision follows a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), highlighting a commitment to open dialogue and addressing the realities of modern cricket. The growing participation of West Indies cricketers in lucrative franchise leagues across the globe has led to a talent drain, impacting the stability of national teams. To counteract this trend and secure the future of West Indies cricket, CWI has introduced multi-year contracts as a strategy to provide financial security and retain players for national duty.
Of the 15 men’s cricketers offered contracts, six were awarded multi-year deals based on their impressive performances during the 2023-2024 evaluation period. In the women’s team, three out of 15 senior players received multi-year contracts.
The announcement is welcomed as a positive step towards stabilizing the West Indies international squads, which have been significantly weakened by the talent drain to global T20 leagues. The multi-year contracts represent a commitment from CWI to prioritize national duty and ensure the long-term success of West Indies cricket.
Among the men, the multi-year contracts were awarded to Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales. In the women’s team, Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, and Stafanie Taylor received the multi-year contracts.
The remaining players received one-year contracts, including notable names like Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, and Akeal Hosein. In the women’s team, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, and Rashada Williams received one-year contracts.
The move reflects a proactive approach by CWI to address the challenges of the modern cricket landscape and to secure the future of West Indies cricket on both the men’s and women’s sides. It signals a commitment to supporting and retaining talent, fostering a stronger national team identity, and ensuring that West Indies cricket remains a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
