Big West Indies players including former captains decline central contract offer

Antigua: Big names including Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran have declined the offer of central contracts by Cricket West Indies for the upcoming 2023-24 season.

However, these players confirmed their availability for all West Indies T20 Internationals during the contract year keeping the possibility of being included in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad open.

Both Holder and Pooran have captained West Indies in the past.

The contracts are offered based on player performances during the 2022 to 2023 evaluation period following recommendations from the Selection Panels and approval by the Board of Directors.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, right-handed batsman Keacy Carty, and left-handed batsmen Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, have been awarded the central contracts for the first time in the Men's list while all-rounders Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond are two new names to appear in the Women's list.

West Indies Men’s Lead Selector Dr Desmond Haynes had the upcoming tournament in mind as they prepared to co-host it with the USA.

"With a busy year of cricket ahead, in all three formats, we have held several detailed discussions with the two Head Coaches on the brand of cricket they want to play. 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.

"We also have a Test Series in Australia and England – these are two major assignments whilst in the 50-over format we look to build a nucleus of players aimed towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027," he said.

Meanwhile, West Indies Women’s Lead Selector, Ann Browne-John looked at long-term options in players who will drive West Indies cricket forward.

“The selectors have identified a cadre of players who we believe can drive West Indies cricket forward. We have emphasized the development of the younger players, which we view as pivotal in the pathway to the international level.

We have several high-profile bilateral series and major global events on the horizon and with this in mind, we want to have our players prepared and ready for every occasion.”

List of players:

West Indies Men: 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, and Romario Shepherd.

West Indies Women: 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, and Rashada Williams. (UNI)