In a bid to foster a deeper appreciation for cricket among the youth of the Caribbean, Cricket West Indies (CWI) provided tickets for students and teachers, as well as members of Jamaica’s age-group teams to enjoy the three-match series between West Indies and South Africa at Sabina Park.

The initiative which CWI says forms part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The regional body provided 2,685 tickets to students, 412 to teachers, and 198 tickets to players from the Under-15, Under-17 and Uner-19 teams, ensuring these young athletes have the chance to experience top-tier cricket action.

The Schools Ticketing Programme, a central element of this initiative, is designed to immerse young minds in the thrill of cricket, offering them the opportunity to witness international matches and develop a lasting passion for the sport.

CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, underscored the importance of cultivating a strong cricket culture across the region, and this he said reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and sports development.

"We are keen to help revitalize cricket in Jamaica. Introducing the children to cricket is vital for the future of the sport in Jamaica and the entire region. By bringing students to these matches, we are not only providing them with an enjoyable experience but also nurturing an appreciation and love for cricket that can grow with them,” Shallow said.

"This Schools Ticketing Programme initiative is about more than just watching a game; it's about creating a connection with the sport that can inspire future generations,” he added.

Recently-elected Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Dr. Donovan Bennett, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its potential impact.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with CWI for this Schools Ticketing Programme. This initiative promotes cricket and instils values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in our young people," he said.

"By exposing students to live cricket matches, they are getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the game. This experience is invaluable for their personal and athletic development,” Dr. Bennett noted.

West Indies won Thursday’s first game by 28 runs. The remaining two matches of the series are scheduled for Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 at the same venue. Start time is 2:00pm.

With their long-term agreement with Cricket West Indies (CWI) heavily scrutinised by government leaders and cricket stalwarts, chief executive, Pete Russell of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) defended the product’s positive contribution to cricket in the region.

Addressing the gathering on Friday’s final day of the CARICOM conference on West Indies cricket themed ‘Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket’, Russell said the CPL is one of CWI’s largest domestic commercial partners.

While noting that CPL contributed significantly to player economic welfare, with nearly US$28 million spent on salaries since the start of the tournament in 2013, Russell, also revealed that cumulative losses, across both the league and franchises for the past 11 years, stand at US$40 million.

“Dennis O’Brien and Digicel have been the principal investors, not only investing in the league from day one but they also spent money on sponsorship and media rights. The franchises have also pumped in significant money, money that helps pay players and coaches, as well as investing in local businesses around the region that help make the games happen. All the franchises have made losses.

“So, on the positive side, Cricket West Indies has been paid close to US$17 million in sanction fees, so over the past 12 years CPL would be one of CWI’s largest domestic, commercial partners. Caribbean players have taken home US$27.7 million in player salaries since the tournament’s inception, all paid for by the franchises,” Russell declared during the event held in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Each year, it takes US$25 million to run this tournament over five weeks. CPL and the franchises bear all these costs. There is no financial burden on CWI or the territorial boards, so the risk is 100 per cent ours.

“So that is our starting point each and every year. So as you can imagine, the commercial challenges are considerable just to break even,” he added.

Russell’s response came as government leaders and West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd, suggested that the 50-year contract between CPL and CWI be re-negotiated.

The issue of the league’s ownership was also called into question, as they view was largely expressed that there would potentially be more development and earnings for players, if CWI controlled the tournament.

But, Russell, a member of the CPL management team rebutted.

“What is interesting is that other leagues around the world are following the lead of CWI. They are also looking for third-party investors to help fund their leagues. The English Cricket Board are in the process of selling The Hundred, the Australian Cricket Board are courting outside investors for the Big Bash, Cricket South Africa sold all their rights to host broadcaster Supersport, and the new American Major League Cricket is 100 per cent privately owned,” Russell shared.

“In time, only the IPL will end up being 100 per cent owned by its domestic board and that is simply because they can afford to do so. So, trust me when I say, ownership isn’t everything, and smart stewardship and partnership can yield better results. But of course, we’re always happy to listen to any suggestions on how we can improve things,” he ended.

The Guyana Cricket Board has followed up on its threat to take legal action against Cricket West Indies over the election of Azim Bassarath as its vice-president.

Bassarath who is president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, was elected to the post at the annual general meeting of Cricket West Indies in March of 2023.

The GCB had nominated Bassarath but subsequently withdrew its nomination in writing before the elections were held, but after the nomination period had closed.

At the elections, the GCB’s representatives restated the Board’s withdrawal of the nomination and according to a release, objected to CWI’s decision to proceed with the election of Bassarath even though the nomination was withdrawn.

The GCB said the decision to withdraw its nomination of Bassarath was taken after the Guyana Board, received certain information, just prior to the CWI elections, that included serious allegations of misconduct at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

Since the March elections, the GCB had repeatedly addressed the matter of Bassarath’s election with CWI.

The release said, “two letters were written to CWI president, Dr Kishore Shallow, requesting the legal basis upon which Bassarath was elected. There was no response to these letters.”

A meeting was convened by Dr. Shallow and other CWI representatives on July 05, 2023, but the matter remained unresolved.

Dr. Shallow stated that he had received legal opinion that the subject election was properly conducted and that he would submit that opinion, and the names of the lawyers who gave it, to the GCB and the other stakeholders.

This was never done, claimed the GCB.

The GBC release further stated: “The GCB, as a shareholder/full member of CWI, has a moral and legal duty to institute, promote and support the high standards and ideals of West Indies cricket and to ensure that there is full and unwavering compliance with the Articles of Association of CWI and that all elections held by CWI are conducted in accordance with the law especially now that with the emergence of the stated allegations.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is announcing the appointment of three women to its Board of Directors, marking a historic milestone for gender diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Ms. Diann Campbell and Mrs. Louise Victor-Frederick join as new appointees, while Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton returns to the board.

Ms. Diann Campbell, a distinguished Jamaican cricket administrator with nearly three decades of experience, holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Politics. Her expertise in cricket administration, corporate governance, and organizational development will greatly benefit CWI's strategic initiatives.

Mrs. Louise Victor-Frederick, a seasoned branding and communications strategist from St. Lucia, brings a wealth of experience to the board. With a Master’s degree in International Public Relations and Global Communications Management, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Mrs. Victor has made significant contributions to the corporate landscape of St. Lucia. She also serves as a Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

Returning to the Board of Directors is Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton, an accomplished Attorney-at-Law from Trinidad & Tobago. Mrs. Coryat-Patton specializes in Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Diplomatic Protocol, bringing invaluable legal expertise to the board. She is also a Chartered Director and Chartered Corporate Secretary, reflecting her commitment to governance excellence.

In addition to these appointments, Mr. Hallam Nichols has been reappointed as an Independent Director, further enhancing the board's collective expertise and vision. Mr. Nichols is a prominent Barbadian entrepreneur. He served on the CWI Stakeholders Relations Committee.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Campbell and Mrs. Victor-Frederick as new appointees, and we warmly welcome back Mrs. Coryat-Patton and Mr. Nichols to the CWI Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our organization and contribute to the advancement of cricket in the West Indies."

Regarding diversity on the board, President Shallow emphasized, "Since the beginning, I've advocated for diversity within CWI to ensure fairness both on and off the field. This appointment is a natural progression of our ongoing commitment."

President Shallow also thanked the outgoing Independent Directors saying "My profound gratitude to both Manniram Prashad and Gail Mathurin for their service as independent directors. They have certainly made meaningful contributions to West Indies Cricket, and we anticipate their continued involvement and impact in other capacities".

With these appointments, CWI reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a new standard for cricket governance in the region. All four appointments are for a one-year period ending March 2025.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is set to unveil its new four-year strategic plan for 2024-2027, titled "The Long Run". Recently presented to the Board of Directors during a board meeting in Antigua and discussed with shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, this strategic blueprint marks a pivotal juncture for the organization and West Indies cricket.

Reflecting on 2023 as a year of recovery and describing it as crucial in laying the groundwork for this ambitious plan, CWI Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, provided insight stating, "We are excited to present “The Long Run”, our strategic roadmap for the next four years. This plan sets a clear and ambitious path for CWI, focusing on strengthening our cricket system at all levels and maximizing our commercial value on the foundation of stable finances." 

Grave underscored the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the organization's future direction. "Having presented the strategic plan to our Board of Directors and shareholders, we are now preparing to circulate it for wider discourse. It is essential that our stakeholders not only understand but also actively engage with the strategic plan as we move forward into another four-year cycle." 

“The Long Run” will outline key objectives and initiatives aimed at fostering growth, sustainability, and excellence in cricket. It will encompass measures to enhance governance, player development, grassroots programs, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships, aligning with CWI's overarching vision to elevate West Indies cricket in the region and on the global stage. 

The strategic plan, developed internally, represents a collaborative effort by the CWI management team. It includes extensive consultations and valuable insights from staff and players. Business Planning Manager Lynford Inverary led the process, with input from the wider cricket stakeholders’ group. 

The Long Run – a strategic plan for elevating West Indies Cricket 2024-27 

Six Strategic Pillars:

· Cricket:

-Elite & High-Performance

-Cricket Development & Participation

-Facilities & Infrastructure

·Finance & Fans:

-Commercial & Financial

-Fan Engagement & Global Visibility

·Structure:

-Governance

In a move that celebrates both his sporting prowess and his national pride, Guyanese cricket sensation Shamar Joseph has been appointed as a Tourism Ambassador for his homeland of Guyana. The announcement, made by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), comes as Joseph's star continues to rise following his remarkable performance against Australia in January, where he played a pivotal role in the West Indies' historic Test victory.

Joseph, hailing from Baracara, Berbice, has captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide with his record-breaking spell of seven wickets for 68 runs in the crucial test match against Australia not only secured a thrilling win for the West Indies but also marked a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

"Shamar Joseph's outstanding achievements on the cricket field have not only brought glory to the West Indies but have also shone a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Guyana," the  GTA said in a statement. "As a Tourism Ambassador, we believe he will play a vital role in promoting our country's attractions and welcoming visitors from around the globe."

Joseph's heroics against Australia, including his remarkable eight-wicket haul in the second Test match, have earned him widespread acclaim within the cricketing fraternity. His final wicket to clinch the historic victory was met with jubilation from fans and commentators alike, with renowned cricketing commentator Ian Bishop hailing it as "a real dream come true for 'Joseph the Deliverer', for the West Indies."

In addition to his on-field achievements, Joseph's off-field contributions have not gone unnoticed. Cricket West Indies recently awarded him an international retainer contract in recognition of his stellar performances against Australia. Furthermore, he made history by becoming the first-ever West Indies player to receive the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for January 2024, solidifying his status as a cricketing icon.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) commends the proactive efforts undertaken by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to bolster cricket infrastructure within the region. President Dr. Kishore Shallow commended the efforts by the Government and the St. Kitts Cricket Association to develop Conaree Cricket Ground, marking a considerable step towards enhancing regional cricket facilities and fostering the sport's growth.

President Shallow echoed the importance of governments investing in cricket infrastructure, stating, "Cricket West Indies is impressed with the developments and prospects of Conaree Cricket Ground, which has enabled Saint Kitts & Nevis to host regional matches and tournaments. It is imperative that governments recognize the significance of infrastructure in the development of cricket and the broader sporting community. Minister Duggins' efforts ought to be commended for his efforts in this regard."

The development of facilities and hosting of regional cricket align seamlessly with the vision outlined by Minister of Sports, Hon. Samal Duggins, who emphasized the importance of sports development as a cornerstone of the nation's youth empowerment agenda. Minister Duggins highlighted cricket's significance in the region and the promising opportunities it presents for the youth of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

"At the heart of our nation's vision for youth empowerment and sporting excellence lies a profound commitment to sports development. Sports development stands as a key aspect of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis' Sustainable Island State agenda, offering invaluable avenues for our youth to progress in personal development, bolstering their self-esteem, fostering international exposure, and honing essential team-building skills among other essential life skills. With cricket being one of the leading sports in our region, the increasing opportunity within this sport holds immense promise for our young people. The introduction of these tournaments signals a gateway to deeper collaboration and partnership between CWI and Saint Kitts and Nevis," Minister Duggins remarked.

CWI looks forward to working closely with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis in realizing the shared vision of enhancing cricket facilities and promoting the sport's development across the region. 

President Shallow further reiterated Cricket West Indies' commitment to collaborating with Saint Kitts and Nevis to elevate the standard of cricket facilities and nurture the development of players within the nation.

"We are dedicated to fostering a strong partnership with Saint Kitts and Nevis, not only to enhance the infrastructure for cricket but also to support the development of talented players. Cricket West Indies will continue to work closely with Leeward Islands Cricket Board and the two national cricket bodies in the twin-island federation to further improve the standard of facilities and provide the necessary resources for the development of their players," President Shallow affirmed.

So far this year, Saint Kitts and Nevis has hosted the West Indies Championship (the Men's first-class tournament) and the ongoing CG United Women’s Super50 Cup. The women will follow the Super 50 Cup with the CWI T20 Blaze. Saint Kitts and Nevis is also home to the CPL franchise, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Cricket West Indies president, Dr Kishore Shallow believes they have made significant strides in raising the profile of the women’s game over the past year, as he reaffirmed the regional body's commitment to achieve pay parity by 2027.

Shallow, in a message to mark International Women’s Day on Friday, pointed to the changes in travel for overseas tours, single room accommodation and the launch of a Women’s Cricket Academy in Antigua as measures implemented to bring the women’s game on par with their male counterparts.

“On this International Women’s Day, Cricket West Indies proudly celebrates the remarkable progress we’ve achieved in championing gender equality and empowerment within our cricketing community. Since assuming office, we have embarked on a transformative journey of inclusivity, recognizing and valuing the exceptional contributions of our female athletes," Shallow said.

“In the past year, we have taken significant strides to ensure gender parity within our ranks. Notably, we announced that members of the West Indies Women’s squads would travel business class for all long-haul international flights and enjoy single-room accommodations for international assignments, aligning with the policies for the men’s teams. This progressive step has led to a substantial increase in the women’s budget, surpassing US$500,000," he added. 

Shallow explained that the launch of the inaugural Women’s Cricket Academy in Antigua, is a pivotal initiative aimed at nurturing and cultivating the immense talent of our region’s female cricketers. He also highlighted the launch of the Women’s A-team programme last year and the increased prize money for the ongoing domestic championships in St Kitts.

For the women's competitions, the Super50 Cup winners will receive US$20,000 while the T20 Blaze champions will collect US$10,000.

“This investment underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering growth and excellence in women’s cricket, inspiring generations to come," he declared.

While praising the exploits of women’s captain Hayley Matthew and her accomplishments, which he says, "epitomize the unparalleled talent and potential within our women’s cricket", Shallow also touched on the pay issue.

“Cricket West Indies remains steadfast in its mission to achieve pay parity by 2027, as outlined in the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding. We are resolute in our commitment to empowering women in cricket and fostering a more equitable and inclusive sporting environment," he ended.

In a groundbreaking development for West Indies cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) have inked a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This historic agreement signed inside the studios of Sportsmax Ltd on Thursday, solidifies their commitment to advancing gender pay equity within West Indies cricket, marking a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and progressive cricketing framework.

The MOU, spanning from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2027, outlines comprehensive plans to achieve parity in international and regional match fees, international captain’s allowances, international team prize money, and regional individual prize money for all West Indies cricketers by October 1, 2027.

One of the major highlights of this strategic initiative is the alignment of performance grading criteria for international women's and regional men’s contracts with established standards for international men, creating a uniform evaluation process across domestic and international cricket from October 1, 2024.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, expressed his enthusiasm about the landmark agreement, stating, "This is a historic day for West Indies cricket. As we overhaul the compensation structures and align performance grading, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and progressive cricket framework. This step reflects our unwavering commitment to gender equality and acknowledges the immense contributions of female players to West Indies cricket."

President Shallow further emphasized, "In the preceding year, we undertook substantial enhancements to our travel policy, mandating that the West Indies Senior Women’s team travel business-class on all extended international flights and are accommodated in single rooms during international assignments. This aligns seamlessly with the established policy for West Indies Senior Men's tours. Today, with the signing of this MOU, we take another significant stride in narrowing the gender gap within our cricketing community."

Provisions of the MOU:

The MOU introduces compensation enhancement opportunities for both International and Regional Men, underlining CWI's commitment to acknowledging and rewarding excellence. Some of the key provisions include:

Increased Prize Money: Significantly increased team prize money throughout the system and new individual player rewards.

Match Fees: Full match fees for players in the starting XI and 80 percent for reserves, effective October 1, 2024.

Retainers for Overseas Tournaments: All retainers on hold once a NOC is issued for an overseas domestic franchise tournament, effective October 1, 2024.

Multi-Year Retainer Contracts: The potential for CWI and Franchises to award multi-year retainer contracts, up to 3 years.

Parity in Fees: Increased international and regional match fees and ICC Tournament fees for all women’s cricketers, to achieve parity by October 1, 2027.

Increased Men’s Match Fees: Increases for international and regional men’s match fees, effective October 1, 2023.

Performance Grading Alignment: Alignment of international women’s contracts and regional men’s contracts with the performance grading established for international men.

Family Support: Provision of a hospitality box and ground transportation for players’ families at all international home series matches.

Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, expressed pride in embarking on this journey towards gender pay equity, stating, "The significant increases for our female players demonstrate our dedication to rewarding excellence and promoting fairness in our cricketing community. The increases in prize money, greater rewards for our best-performing players, and higher match fees for players in the starting XIs are all strategic moves to place a greater emphasis on winning."

Wavell Hinds, President and CEO of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), affirmed the historic nature of this moment, saying, "Without a doubt, this is a truly historic and exciting time for our membership as the MOU addresses most levels of our pay scale. As we operate within a very fluid cricketing landscape, we are duty-bound to conscientiously reward our regional and international players within the constraints of CWI's budget and agree on policies that will produce and promote world-class performances."

The MOU signifies a major milestone in West Indies cricket, reinforcing the region's commitment to building a cricketing landscape that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

Having moved to settle their legal dispute with former selectors Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste, Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to fulfil its payment obligation to both men and, as such could be headed back to court.

This latest development was revealed by cricket commentator and broadcaster Andrew Mason, who during his recent Mason and Guest show, disclosed that Browne, Baptiste and their lawyers are back in the industrial courts of Antigua and Barbuda, hoping to enforce an order against CWI.

The two former West Indies players received letters of termination on April 10, 2019, shortly after Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow won the Cricket West Indies presidential elections in March that year. The termination letters made reference to a task force that was being established to review the selection system. The task force that was chaired by Shallow –now the CWI president –was expected to make recommendations.

Notwithstanding that the task force had not yet met, CWI fired the selectors ahead of any recommendations that would have come from the task force. The matter has been before the courts for the past four years, with CWI now seemingly backtracking on its decision to settle and pay all legal costs and 15 months’ payment of the contract to Browne and Baptiste.

Top lawyer Anthony Astaphan, who is working on behalf of Browne and Baptiste gave the latest on the situation.

“No, the matter with Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptist has not been fully settled. There were negotiations between the parties attended by counsel, not me. Mr. West appeared on behalf of Mr. Browne and Mr. Baptiste. I couldn't make it and I think the president of Cricket West Indies was either present or participated and an agreement was arrived at to pay Eldine and Courtney a specific sum,” Astaphan, who was Mason’s guest, shared.

“That agreement on the sums was crystallized into a consent order or an order of the industrial court. Some sums were in fact paid but the full amount was not paid, as a result of which correspondence was sent over to Cricket West Indies.

“I don't believe there was a response, or at least a constructive response. So, Mr. West is in the process now of registering the order of the industrial court in the High Court for the purpose of having to enforce the order against Cricket West Indies by whatever means he may think the most expedient, including executing on the assets of Cricket West Indies,” he added.