Cricket West Indies (CWI) has released its list of international retainer contracts for the 2025-26 season, with some significant withdrawals and new additions to both the men’s and women’s rosters. The contracts will be effective October 1, 2025.
The men’s list includes three major revisions. Former Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva, and Kavem Hodge have all missed out on retainers. Instead, CWI has issued contracts to Justin Greaves, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jomel Warrican. The core group of West Indies men’s cricketers stays intact, with Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales all keeping their central contracts.
Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, outlined the decision-making process, stating that the contracts were awarded based on a balance between present form, long-term potential, and the overall objective of preparing for future global competitions.
“These decisions are aligned with the pathways designed for West Indies cricket’s long-term success,” Bascombe.
The women’s roster also saw adjustments, with seamers Jannillea Glasgow and Shawnisha Hector earning international contracts. However, Shamilia Connell, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chedean Nation, and Rashada Williams have all been excluded. Despite the changes, the foundation of the women’s setup remains solid. Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Shemaine Campbelle remain part of the core group.
In accordance with CWI’s overall development strategy, starter (development) contracts have been awarded to Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne, Jahzara Claxton, and Realeanna Grimmond.
CWI also finalised academy contracts for 15 men’s and 14 women’s cricketers, boosting the talent stream for the coming years.
Both the men’s and women’s teams have faced criticism for their erratic results in recent months. The West Indies women’s team has had a poor run, failing to qualify for the present ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. However, they showed signs of recovery by defeating South Africa in a T20I series in June.
The men’s team has endured a difficult year. They were whitewashed by Australia at home in a Test series in July, including a terrible performance in which they were bowled out for only 27 runs in their last innings, one of their lowest points in recent history. This outcome prompted an emergency meeting inside CWI. Following that, they lost 2-1 to Nepal in a T20I series in September, although there were some highlights, notably a home ODI series victory over Pakistan in August. However, they lost the same T20I series to the same opponents.
West Indies men’s contracts 2025-26
Senior men: Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican.
Starter contracts: Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne.
Men’s academy: Ackeem Auguste, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Giovonte Depeiza, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pittman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.
West Indies women’s contracts 2025-26
Senior women: Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack.
Starter contracts: Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond.
Women’s academy: Abigail Bryce, Asabi Callender, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajanbi, Brianna Harricharan, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott.
India
