In a historic step, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has granted multi-year contracts to some of its leading cricketers, including men's ODI captain Shai Hope and women's white-ball captain Hayley Matthews. This move follows the signing of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in January 2024.
The contracts officially begin on October 1, 2024. Players on one-year deals will be contracted until September 30, 2025, while those awarded multi-year contracts will remain under contract until September 30, 2026.
In total, 15 male players received contracts, with six securing two-year agreements. Besides Hope, the list includes Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales. On the women's side, Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle joined Hayley Matthews in earning multi-year deals.
CWI’s director of cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed that maintaining open and realistic communication with players has been key to this new approach. He stated that the players’ acceptance of multi-year deals reflects mutual confidence, commitment, and transparency. He congratulated the contracted players on their recent performances and looked forward to further progress in the next cycle.
Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, who is notably missing from the contract list, is currently engaged in discussions with CWI about transitioning into a dual role as both a player and mentor, as he nears the latter stages of his career.
Among the newly contracted players, batter Kavem Hodge earned his first central contract after his crucial 71-run contribution in the West Indies’ first Test win in Australia in 28 years, which took place in Brisbane this January. Hodge then followed up with his maiden Test century against England at Trent Bridge in July.
Additionally, allrounder Roston Chase was included on the contracts list, following his key performances that helped West Indies reach the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Tagenarine Chanderpaul did not receive a central contract and instead will join the Guyana Harpy Eagles on a franchise retainer.
On the women's side, allrounder Ashmini Munisar earned her first-ever central contract with West Indies.
WI Men's Contracts:
- Two-Year Deals: Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales
- One-Year Deals: Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell
WI Women's Contracts:
- Two-Year Deals: Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor
- One-Year Deals: Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams, Ashmini Munisar