In a surprising turn of events, several prominent West Indies cricketers have opted to decline central contracts for the 2023-24 season, choosing to prioritize T20 leagues and the financial security offered by franchises. The list includes heavyweights like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran, who have turned down central contracts but will still be available for T20 International series throughout the year.
The contracted players for the upcoming season were recently announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI), featuring 14 men and 15 women. Among the fresh faces on the men’s list are batters Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. Meanwhile, allrounders Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond make their debut on the women’s list.
The decision by cricketers to opt-out of central contracts in favor of T20 leagues reflects a broader trend in the cricketing world, with players seeking financial security and opportunities in lucrative franchise tournaments. Notably, high-profile players like Ben Stokes and Trent Boult have recently made similar choices, playing key roles in major tournaments despite rejecting central contracts.
CWI emphasized that the contracts list was compiled based on player performance during the 2022 to 2023 evaluation period and recommendations from the selection panels. Desmond Haynes, West Indies men’s lead selector, outlined the strategic approach, stating,
“With a busy year of cricket ahead, in all three formats, we have held several detailed discussions with the head coaches on the brand of cricket they want to play.”
Haynes continued, “We are very clear in the direction we want to go. The players who have been offered contracts are among those who we expect to feature, as we look to build towards challenging for the top spot when we host and compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on home soil.”
The men’s team is set to face significant challenges with away Test series in Australia and England, and a focus on building a competitive squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in the 50-over format.
Ann Browne-John, West Indies women’s lead selector, emphasized the importance of developing younger players, viewing it as a pivotal step in the pathway to international success. The women’s contracts list for 2023-24 includes a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, underlining the commitment to nurturing talent for the future.
“We have emphasised the development of the younger players, which we view as pivotal in the pathway to the international level.”
West Indies men’s contracts for 2023-24
Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
Out: Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Nicholas Pooran, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr
In: Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Gudakesh Motie
West Indies women’s contracts for 2023-24
Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams
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