CWI expands Academy programme with 30 emerging players awarded contracts
Key Points(4)
- <strong>JOHN’S, Antigua</strong>– In a bold move to strengthen the future of West Indies cricket, <a href="https://www.windiescricket.com/">Cricket West Indies</a> (CWI) has awarded one-year, full-time academy contracts to 30 young cricketers as part of its continued investment in emerging talent.
- With access to dedicated technical teams and world-class facilities, the players will receive intensive training and development over the next year.
- This year’s 15 contract recipients will benefit from specialized support in their home territories, as well as participate in training camps at CCG throughout the year.
- "The CWI Academies are instrumental in ensuring both men and women receive the support they need to succeed internationally," Bascombe said.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for both the men’s and women’s development pathways, as the programs emphasize high-performance training and long-term career preparation.
For the first time, the Men’s Academy will be based full-time at the CWI-owned Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, providing a state-of-the-art hub for development. Meanwhile, the Women’s Academy, which began during the 2023/24 season, will continue its regional focus, offering young female cricketers access to high-performance resources through training camps at CCG and within their home territories.
A game changer
This year’s Men’s Academy features 15 players under the age of 23, selected for their potential to contribute to West Indies cricket at the regional and international levels. With access to dedicated technical teams and world-class facilities, the players will receive intensive training and development over the next year. The program not only focuses on improving cricket skills but also emphasizes personal development, leadership, and media engagement, preparing players for the demands of a professional cricket career.
Three graduates from the previous year’s Academy cohort have already earned franchise contracts, a testament to the program’s success. The 2024/25 Men’s Academy contracts have been awarded to: Ackeem Auguste, Jediah Blades, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Justin Jaggersar, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Michael Palmer, Kelvin Pitman, Renico Smith, and Carlon Tuckett.
Building a strong foundation
The Women’s Academy continues to highlight CWI’s commitment to developing women’s cricket across the region. This year’s 15 contract recipients will benefit from specialized support in their home territories, as well as participate in training camps at CCG throughout the year. They will also have the opportunity to compete in an international tour, gaining valuable exposure on the global stage.
The 2024/25 Women’s Academy contracts have been awarded to: Asabi Callendar, Jahzara Claxton, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Briana Harricaharan, Shawnisha Hector, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, and Kate Wilmott.
A holistic approach to development
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, underscored the significance of these academy contracts in bridging the gap between junior and senior levels. "The CWI Academies are instrumental in ensuring both men and women receive the support they need to succeed internationally," Bascombe said. "By focusing on holistic development and providing tailored, high-performance programming, we are accelerating the growth of our emerging players and securing a bright future for West Indies cricket."
Bascombe emphasized that the academies are a crucial part of CWI's strategy to develop players for international cricket. He pointed out the importance of giving young players access to a comprehensive program that includes not only skill enhancement but also critical off-field elements such as leadership training and media engagement, which are key to navigating a professional career.
Shaping the future of West Indies cricket
With contracts running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the program promises to elevate the development of both male and female cricketers, ensuring that they are well-prepared to represent the West Indies on the international stage. These initiatives are a critical part of CWI’s long-term vision for the sport, aiming to continuously supply the senior teams with players who are equipped to perform at the highest level.
By providing these young cricketers with a robust pathway to professional cricket, CWI remains steadfast in its mission to develop world-class talent and solidify West Indies' competitive presence in the international arena.
