Cricket West Indies said on Sunday (December 10) that Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran declined central contracts but will be available to play Twenty20 Internationals in 2023–2024. The list of players under central contract was released by the CWI, including 15 women and 14 men.
Four male cricket players—Gudakesh Motie, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Alick Athanaze—have received their first central contract offer. For the first time, two female cricket players under central contract are Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond.
Holder played his final Test and One-Day International matches against Scotland and India in July 2023, respectively. In 37 Tests and 86 ODIs, he led the West Indies team as captain. Having not played Test cricket, Pooran has led the West Indies in 17 of the 61 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) that he has played in. His most recent ODI was played in July during the World Cup Qualifiers against Sri Lanka. Mayers, who has participated in 18 Tests and 28 ODIs, had a spectacular start to his Test career when he scored a double hundred on his debut to lead the West Indies past Bangladesh in a chase of 395 runs.
“We have had numerous in-depth conversations with the two Head Coaches regarding the style of cricket they wish to play since they have a busy year ahead of them in all three formats of the game. We have a clear idea of where we want to go. According to men’s chief selector Desmond Haynes, “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 away 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 stated.
Women’s Chief Selector Ann Browne-John stated, “The selectors have identified a cadre of players who we believe can drive West Indies cricket forward,” about the women’s central contracts. We have placed a strong emphasis on the younger players’ development since we believe it is essential to their advancement to the international stage. In light of the next high-profile bilateral series and significant international events, we want our players to be ready for every situation.”
Players under contract:
West Indies Men: Gudakesh Motie, Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd
Women from the West Indies: Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, and Rashada Williams