The West Indies have revealed the latest central contract list for both the Men's and Women's sides for the forthcoming 2023-24 season.
The contracts have been allocated based on players' performances assessed between 2022 and 2023.
As per the details, senior West Indies' stars Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran have declined central contracts, however, they affirmed their availability for all West Indies T20 Internationals in the contract year, indicating their potential inclusion in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Holder and Pooran have both previously captained the West Indies.
These players were also not part of the ODI series against England which the Shai Hope-led side win 2-1.
They are named in squad for the five-match T20I series, starting December 12.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, right-handed batter Keacy Carty, and left-handed batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have received central contracts for the first time in the Men's list. Meanwhile, all-rounders Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond are newcomers on the Women's list.
Desmond Haynes, West Indies Men’s Lead Selector, has the upcoming tournament in mind as they gear up 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 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.”
Meanwhile, West Indies Women’s Lead Selector, Ann Browne-John looked at long-term options in players who will drive West Indies 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.