Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially passed a landmark set of governance reforms aimed at modernizing the organization, enhancing accountability, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The reforms were approved at a Special Meeting of Members of Cricket West Indies Inc. on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Among the most significant changes is the introduction of term limits for the positions of President and Vice-President, restricting them to a maximum of three terms of three years each. Additionally, the term length for these positions has been extended from two years to three years, a change that will take effect starting with the next CWI elections in March 2025.
President Dr. Kishore Shallow with member representatives from Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow hailed the reforms as a defining moment for the organization:
"With the implementation of long-overdue term limits and critical governance reforms, we are taking a bold and uncompromising step toward stronger, more transparent, and accountable leadership. For years, governance has been at the heart of regional debate, with stakeholders demanding change. These changes lay the foundation for a more dynamic and forward-thinking institution, one that truly serves the best interests of West Indies cricket."
Key Reforms Implemented:
Board and Leadership Structure
Introduction of more female independent directors to enhance gender representation in decision-making.
Implementation of a Strategic Governance Committee.
Reduction in the number and size of committees.
Increased involvement of independent committee members.
Strengthening of recruitment and selection processes to ensure the best-qualified candidates fill leadership positions.
Ethical and Compliance Measures
Establishment of a centralized Integrity & Dispute Resolutions Committee to oversee ethics and disciplinary matters.
Strengthened financial reporting and disclosure requirements.
Public release of annual reports and audited financial statements to enhance transparency and accountability.
Financial Oversight and Risk Management
Formation of an Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee to improve financial oversight.
Hiring of an Audit, Risk & Compliance Manager/Chief Audit Executive.
Restructuring of the CWI Finance Department to improve efficiency.
Gender Equality and Women’s Cricket Development
Introduction of business-class travel for the West Indies Senior Women’s team for all long-haul international flights.
Provision of single-room accommodations for the West Indies Senior Women’s team on all international assignments, aligning with men’s cricket policy.
Establishment of the Women’s Cricket Transformation Committee to drive strategies for increasing female participation.
Increased investment in the High-Performance pathway for women’s cricket, including the launch of the West Indies Women’s Academy Programme.
Dr. Shallow emphasized the collaborative effort that led to these reforms, thanking CWI’s Full Member shareholders and external contributors such as Don Wehby and His Excellency Michael Findlay, whose Wehby Report provided a crucial roadmap for these changes.
"For decades, I have championed term limits in leadership, ensuring fresh ideas and new energy at the helm. While the decision was not unanimous, every territorial board stands united in strengthening our organization, upholding transparency, and securing a brighter future for West Indies cricket."
The reforms reflect Cricket West Indies’ commitment to modernizing its operations, improving governance, and creating a more sustainable future for cricket in the Caribbean. With these new measures, the organization hopes to restore confidence among stakeholders and enhance the global competitiveness of West Indies cricket.
As CWI prepares for its upcoming elections in March 2025, these reforms will set the foundation for a more accountable and forward-thinking administration. With a renewed focus on financial prudence, gender equality, and governance integrity, the future of West Indies cricket looks brighter than ever.