CWI Inducts First Men’s Academy Cohort Trained in Antigua

Cricket West Indies, CWI, hosted an official induction ceremony for the third cohort of the Men’s Academy.

The ceremony was held at CWI Headquarters at Coolidge Cricket Ground, CCG, in Antigua and Barbuda.

This marked a significant milestone as this cohort is the first to be based in Antigua and Barbuda full-time for their year of training and development.

The 18 young men in attendance were addressed by West Indies cricket legend Courtney Walsh, an esteemed group of technical staff, cricket professionals, including CWI Director Enoch Lewis and CWI Chief Operating Officer Lynford Inverary.

In his opening remarks, Inverary emphasised the importance of the academy in developing the next generation of West Indies cricketers.

He encouraged the players to rise to the challenge and remember that they are not just representing themselves but their families, countries, and the entire region.

Cricket legend Walsh was greeted with a standing ovation by the enthusiastic players, who were bowled over by his record-breaking accomplishments on the pitch.

Walsh, who still holds the West Indies record for highest wicket-taker – 500 – , shared his unique perspective as a former player and left the young men with thirteen key points to consider.

Of those points, he emphasised fitness, which allowed him to once bowl an extraordinary 45 consecutive overs in one innings;

The importance of constantly learning about the game, which he does to this day;

Striving for excellence in Test cricket as a foundation for mastering all formats of the game; and finally, to always enjoy themselves and this unique journey.