Matthews, Josephs steal the show at star-studded CWI/WIPA Gala
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – On a night that shimmered with Caribbean pride and cricketing excellence, West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews stood tall as the undisputed star of the eighth annual CWI/WIPA Awards Gala, held Sunday at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Barbados.
Matthews, already celebrated globally as the No. 1-ranked Women’s T20I all-rounder, added further shine to her stellar résumé by clinching both the Women’s ODI Player of the Year and Women’s T20I Player of the Year awards, following a dominant 2024 campaign.
“Matthews continues to lead by example, not just with her bat and ball, but with her poise and leadership,” said a CWI official. “She is an icon of modern West Indies cricket.”
Josephs strike gold: Shamar and Alzarri take top men’s awards
Among the men, it was the fearsome fast bowling duo of Shamar and Alzarri Joseph who claimed the spotlight—though unrelated by blood, both were united in excellence on the international stage.
Shamar Joseph, the breakout sensation of the West Indies’ historic Test victory in Australia, was named Test Player of the Year. His fiery spell that sealed the team’s first win Down Under in 27 years became one of the defining moments of the modern era.
“That performance in Brisbane wasn’t just cricket—it was Caribbean history,” remarked one former player in attendance.
Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Alzarri Joseph earned the Men’s T20I Player of the Year honor, showcasing his consistency and impact across white-ball fixtures.
The accolade for Men’s ODI Player of the Year went to Shai Hope, the composed and tactically astute white-ball captain, whose performances have been crucial to the team’s ODI resurgence.
Domestic excellence recognized across formats
The gala also celebrated the best in regional cricket, spotlighting the talent pipeline that fuels the West Indies’ international campaigns.
- Nicholas Pooran was named Regional T20 Player of the Year, cementing his role as a white-ball powerhouse.
- Mikyle Louis earned recognition as the West Indies Championship Player of the Year, a testament to his red-ball consistency.
- Justin Greaves, whose standout efforts lit up the 50-over circuit, claimed the CG United Super50 Cup Player of the Year.
Women’s domestic cricket shines with Knight and Millington
The spotlight also shone on the emerging stars and seasoned performers of West Indies women’s domestic cricket.
- Kycia Knight, a mainstay of the women’s team, was honored as the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Player of the Year, applauded for her steady contributions with the bat and behind the stumps.
- Plaffiana Millington was celebrated for her exploits in the T20 format, walking away with the CWI T20 Blaze Player of the Year award.
These awards highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket in the region—fueled in part by the trailblazing performances of Hayley Matthews and her contemporaries.
A night to celebrate excellence, inspire the future
The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala was more than a celebration of statistical brilliance—it was a tribute to character, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of West Indies cricket. Under the lights of Barbados, with legends of the past and stars of the present in attendance, the evening served as a powerful reminder that the Caribbean remains a vibrant force in the global game.
As applause rang out for every winner, the message was clear: the legacy is alive, and the future burns bright.
