In a landmark decision for Caribbean cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced year-long contracts for 14 outstanding female players across the region, marking the first time such a commitment has been made.
The newly introduced contracts underscore CWI’s long-term vision for high-performance cricket and the growth of the women’s game in the Caribbean. With this latest expansion, CWI now supports a total of 104 contracted regional players for the year, adding up to 164 athletes when Academy and Senior players are included.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “Awarding contracts to these talented female players underscores CWI’s commitment to advancing cricket in the region. We are extremely proud of the Maroon Warriors, who are on their way back from an impressive semi-final showing at the Women’s T20 World Cup.”
This initiative is a testament to CWI’s dedication to elevating women’s cricket, following West Indies’ impressive semi-final appearances in both the 2022 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cups.
During the recently concluded T20 World Cup, West Indies excelled in Group B, emerging as leaders over South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Scotland. In a thrilling semi-final match, they fell to eventual champions New Zealand by a mere 8 runs.
Bascombe emphasized the importance of CWI’s regional investment, adding, “The only way to ensure that West Indies teams, both men and women, have consistent showings at the international level is to ensure the development and growth at the regional level. CWI is dedicated to making this further investment in our regional talent and building a strong foundation for future success, which is in line with our strategic plan.”
These contracts are designed to help players advance towards elite levels, supporting CWI’s goal of creating a steady pipeline of skilled talent capable of thriving on the world stage.
The 2024/25 list of contracted female players for the Caribbean features exceptional talent from across the region: Shanika Bruce and Alisa Scantlebury from Barbados; Shenetta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, and Mandy Mangru representing Guyana; Celina Whyte from Jamaica; Shalini Samaroo, KD Jazz Mitchell, and Reniece Boyce from Trinidad & Tobago; Melicia Clarke and Kimberley Anthony from the Leeward Islands; and Earnisha Fontaine, Abini St. Jean, and Nerissa Crafton from the Windward Islands.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket West Indies)
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