ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has accepted the apology issued by Paul Nixon, head coach of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, and the franchise’s management team, following what the board described as “inaccurate comments” regarding the handling of players’ medical information.
Coach Nixon’s initial remarks suggested shortcomings in CWI’s processes, but both he and the Falcons later clarified that there had been no intent to offend or misrepresent the situation.
CWI, in its statement, outlined its established medical handover protocols, which require physiotherapists to provide comprehensive reports to franchise medical staff before the start of any tournament. According to the board, these procedures were fully observed ahead of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which bowled off on August 14.
The Justin Greaves case
Central to the misunderstanding was the case of Justin Greaves, the Leeward Islands and Falcons all-rounder.
CWI confirmed that following the final ODI against Pakistan on August 12, Lead Physiotherapist Dr. Denis Byam supplied detailed medical reports to both the Leeward Islands franchise and the Falcons’ medical team. These reports included Greaves’ cleared status after a July 20 MRI and noted a minor Achilles complaint sustained on August 6, which had affected his bowling workload.
Upon joining the Falcons on August 13, Greaves was due for an initial medical assessment by the franchise’s medical staff, with follow-up physiotherapy sessions as required. CWI has since confirmed, however, that no such assessment took place and that Greaves received only one physiotherapy session during the first three weeks of the CPL season.
CWI defends its protocols
CWI CEO Chris Dehring praised the integrity of the board’s medical procedures and defended the professionalism of its sports science unit.
“We take great pride in the professionalism and expertise of our Sports Science and Medicine unit, who consistently ensure that player welfare remains the highest priority,” Dehring stated. “Our protocols are designed to protect athletes and enable seamless handovers across all levels of competition.”
Commitment to CPL partnership
Dehring also stressed the close partnership between CWI and the CPL, calling the tournament a “success story for Cricket West Indies.”
“We also reaffirm the close working relationship shared between CWI and the CPL,” he said. “The CPL continues to be one of our most important events, energizing cricket across the region and a success story for Cricket West Indies that we support with pride.”
CWI reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with all CPL franchises, including the Falcons, as it works to strengthen player welfare systems and continue building a sustainable future for West Indies cricket.
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