JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) celebrated a landmark moment on October 11, 2024, as it officially inducted the first full-time cohort of its Men’s Academy based in Antigua & Barbuda.
The induction ceremony, held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), saw 18 promising young cricketers welcomed into the program, which represents a significant investment in the future of West Indies cricket.
Addressing the new inductees was West Indies cricket legend Courtney Walsh, along with CWI Director Enoch Lewis and Chief Operating Officer Lynford Inverary. Walsh, the iconic fast bowler and West Indies’ all-time leading Test wicket-taker, shared invaluable insights from his career, leaving the players inspired with lessons on fitness, continuous learning, and striving for excellence in Test cricket.
Academy’s role in preparing the next generation
Inverary opened the ceremony, emphasizing the Academy’s role in preparing the next generation of West Indies cricketers. He stated, “CWI has invested in you because we believe you are worth the investment. This is part of our long-term commitment to building a high-performance system that ensures West Indies cricket thrives on the global stage.”
The 2024/25 cohort includes a diverse group of players, with several already making strides in regional cricket. Under the guidance of Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe and CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, the Academy offers a comprehensive development program. Along with enhancing on-field skills, the curriculum focuses on personal growth, leadership training, and media engagement.
CWI Men’s Academy 2024/25 Players: Ackeem Auguste, Jediah Blades, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Justin Jaggersar, Johan Layne, Zishan Motara, Michael Palmer, Kelvin Pitman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.
The Men’s Academy is complemented by a Women’s Academy, both of which reflect CWI’s dedication to developing young talent across the region.
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