In a surprising development, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has opted not to accept the Cricket West Indies (CWI) central contract for the 2023-24 season.
Pooran’s decision comes alongside two other players who have declined the central contracts, marking a notable shift in the contractual landscape for West Indies cricket.
Three West Indies players decline central contracts
CWI annually awards central contracts to players, recognizing and remunerating them for their commitment and contributions to the national team.
Along with Pooran, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers have also declined central contracts but will be available to feature in the T20Is during the upcoming season.
The central contracts are traditionally seen as a symbol of stability and commitment, and the declinations are likely to prompt discussions about the factors influencing these decisions.
Four newcomers in the central contract list
In the meantime, four players have been added to the central contract list for the first time and they are Gudakesh Motie, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze.
“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,” said West Indies cricket team’s chief selector Desmond Haynes in his official statement.
“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,” he added.
Complete list of West Indies players who have been offered central contracts
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, Romario Shepherd (Cricket Times)