The West Indies Cricket Board has recently announced the latest Central Contract list for both the Men’s and Women’s sides for the upcoming 2023-24 season. These contracts have been awarded based on the players’ performances during the evaluation period from 2022 to 2023, following recommendations from the Selection Panels and approval by the Board of Directors.
In the Men’s list, we see some new faces being awarded central contracts for the first time. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, right-handed batter Keacy Carty, and left-handed batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have all been recognized for their performances. On the Women’s side, all-rounders Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond are the two new names to appear in the central contract list.
However, it is worth noting that some West Indies veterans are missing from the list. Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran have declined the offer of central contracts. Nevertheless, they have 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 previously captained West Indies.
Looking ahead to the upcoming tournament, West Indies Men’s Lead Selector Dr. Desmond Haynes has emphasized the importance of preparing for the co-hosting of the tournament with the USA. With a busy year of cricket ahead in all three formats, detailed discussions have been held with the two Head Coaches to determine the brand of cricket they want to play. The players who have been offered contracts are expected to feature prominently as the team aims to challenge for the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be hosted on home soil. Additionally, there are important away Test Series in Australia and England, as well as a focus on building a strong nucleus of players for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in the 50-over format.
On the Women’s side, West Indies Women’s Lead Selector Ann Browne-John has emphasized the selection of players who will drive West Indies cricket forward in the long term. The selectors have identified a group of players who they believe have the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
