West Indies cricket board awards multi-year contracts to top players
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made a historic move by awarding multi-year contracts to its leading cricketers. The recipients of these contracts include men's ODI captain Shai Hope, women's white-ball captain Hayley Matthews, and seven other prominent players. This initiative is part of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in January 2024.
Contract details and player list
The contract period commences on October 1, 2024, and concludes on September 30 next year for those with a one-year contract. However, for players awarded multi-year contracts, their term extends until September 30, 2026. A total of nine players have been granted these extended contracts. Among the men's team members, Alzarri Joseph (ODI vice-captain), Shamar Joseph (pace bowler), Brandon King (batter), Gudakesh Motie (spinner) and Jayden Seales (fast bowler) are included in this list.
Women cricketers secure multi-year contracts
In addition to Matthews, two other women's team members have secured multi-year contracts. These are Stafanie Taylor (all-rounder) and Shemaine Campbelle (wicketkeeper-batter). The move is seen as a significant step toward ensuring financial stability for West Indies's top cricketers amid the growing popularity of global franchise leagues.
CWI's commitment and player response
Miles Bascombe, the board's director of cricket, stated that "CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players, and being practical about the realities of the modern game." He further added that "The players have responded in kind, and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence and commitment on both sides."
WI men's contracts
Two-year deals: Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales. One-year deals: Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Rovman Powell
WI women's contracts
Two-year deals: Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, and Stafanie Taylor. One-year deals: Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams, and Ashmini Munisar
