Cricket West Indies announces that 30 young cricketers have been offered full-time, one-year deals. The list is part of the process in which CWI holds itself responsible for emerging talent in the region. 30 young players; 15 males and 15 females were contracted, a key milestone for the Men’s Academy and Women’s Academy.
For the first time, the Men’s Academy cohort will be based full-time at the CWI-owned Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua. The Women’s Academy players will continue developing at the high-performance level in their home territories, attending regular training camps at CCG throughout the year.
It’s quite a special year for the Men’s Academy since 15 players under 23 will be receiving focused, full-year coaching and training. These young men will avail themselves of the best world-class resources, a dedicated technical team, and all assistance as they prepare themselves for the rigours of regional and international cricket.
The Women’s Academy, launched this season, would provide young female cricketers with critical development opportunities. 15 women awarded contracts for this season would get specialized training with coaches in the Talent Pathway. They would also be part of continuous high-performance initiatives in their territories as well as at CCG. For a long time, these players would experience an international tour.
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe spoke to 30 young players on the importance of the contracts. He states that both programs play essential roles in bridging the gap between the junior and senior levels.
“The CWI Academies play a vital role in ensuring that both men’s and women’s teams get the requisite support to succeed on the international stage. We’re gaining momentum with our emerging players by focusing on holistic development and tailoring high-performance programming.”.
One of the finest products from Cricket Australia is the Men’s Academy, which caters for so many young cricketers. In the last season, three guys emerged from this place and ended up gaining franchise contracts. It includes all aspects – on-field skill development and off-field skills like personal development, training, and more media engagement.
Players contracted to the Men’s Academy for the 2024/25 season include Ackeem Auguste, Joshua Bishop, and Johan Layne.
But cricket shows a strong commitment to women’s growth, courtesy of the Women’s Academy. Women contracted players receive territorial-specific support in their respective home territories. In contrast, others have training camps at the CCG and international series giving them the money to grow into their careers.
Some of the bright prospects who have been contracted into these Women’s Academy include Jahzara Claxton and Jannillea Glasgow, among others. These contracts will last from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. It is one of the building blocks for CWI’s long-term vision, constituting a comprehensive platform for male and female preparation in both competitions.
Cricket West Indies’ 2024/25 Academy Contracts
| Men’s Academy Contracts | Women’s Academy Contracts |
|---|---|
| Ackeem Auguste | Asabi Callendar |
| Jediah Blades | Jahzara Claxton |
| Joshua Bishop | NaiJanni Cumberbatch |
| Teddy Bishop | Shabika Gajnabi |
| McKenny Clarke | Jannillea Glasgow |
| Rivaldo Clarke | Realeanna Grimmond |
| Mavendra Dindyal | Briana Harricaharan |
| Nathan Edward | Shawnisha Hector |
| Justin Jaggersar | Trishan Holder |
| Johan Layne | Djenaba Joseph |
| Zishan Motara | Nyia Latchman |
| Michael Palmer | Samara Ramnath |
| Kelvin Pitman | Shunelle Sawh |
| Renico Smith | Steffie Soogrim |
| Carlon Tuckett | Kate Wilmott |
