No retainer contracts for Pooran, Holder

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

FOR THE first time in its history, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has awarded multi-year contracts to several of its top men’s and women’s players for the next two years.

This historical achievement comes on the back of a new four-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in January 2024 between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

Fifteen senior men’s players have been contracted, with six of those players being offered multi-year contracts based on their performances during the 2023-2024 evaluation period.

Meanwhile, of the 15 senior women’s players contracted, three were awarded multi-year contracts.

The contract period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025, for players on a one-year contract, while, for the multi-year awarded players, their contracts are from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

Interestingly, neither top T20 player Nicholas Pooran nor former West Indies captain Jason Holder is among the contracted players.

The men who have been awarded multi-year contracts are Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales.

All-rounder Roston Chase has received his first international contract from CWI.

The other male players who have been awarded one-year contracts are Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Rovman Powell.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONTRACT

Hodge, who made his Test debut this year against Australia, is also receiving his first-ever international contract.

Hodge played a pivotal role in the regional team’s first Test win in Australia in 28 years in Brisbane and then followed that up with a maiden Test century against England at Trent Bridge.

He was also the leading scorer in the series for the West Indies.

Chase was also rewarded after scoring 241 runs from eight innings, at an average of 60.25 with the bat for the year in T20 internationals at a strike rate of 141.76.

He also bagged 12 wickets in the format with an economy rate of 6.43.

The all-rounder also averaged 32.85 with the bat in eight One Day Internationals during the last 12 months.

Additionally, Tagenerine Chanderpaul will take up a franchise retainer contract with the Guyana Harpy Eagles for the upcoming year, while Kemar Roach is in discussions regarding a new dual playing and mentorship/coaching role, as he begins to plan and consider the next stage of his cricket career.

Among the women, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle have also been awarded multi-year contracts.

ONE-YEAR CONTRACTS

One-year contracts have been granted to 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.

Munisar, the only newcomer to the list, has been awarded an international contract for the first time, following her improved performances, including being the leading wicket-taker in the CG United Super50 tournament.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said the contracts showed the organisation’s commitment to cricketers in the region.

“CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players and being practical about the realities of the modern game.

“The players have responded in kind and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence, and commitment on both sides,” Bascombe said.

“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.”