STICK OR MOVE!

Jamaican cricketers Rovman Powell, Vitel Lawes and John Campbell are among West Indies players who have two weeks to decide whether to accept reduced contracts offered by Cricket West Indies (CWI). Last week, the regional governing body announced that international retainer contracts would see fees cut by 25 per cent as part of a series of measures to address CWI’s current financial challenges. CWI CEO, Jamaica’s Chris Dehring, told ESPN Cricinfo on Thursday, that the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) agreed to the changes following “multiple discussions” which started from 2025. Dehring revealed that the international players were directly addressed at a meeting last Wednesday. “We held a Zoom call involving CWI, WIPA and both male and female players. There were over 96 participants in that video conference, where we outlined the plans, explained the situation, and answered questions. The CWI president [Kishore Shallow], the director of cricket [Miles Bascombe] and I were on that call along with the WIPA president [Wavell Hinds] and secretary [Wayne Lewis],” he said. Although the list hasn’t been made public, it’s understood former T20 Captain Powell, spinner Lawes and opening batsmen Campbell, who are currently part of the Windies squad for the ongoing tour of India, have all been offered retainer contracts along with Windies red ball captain Roston Chase, white ball captain Shai Hope and pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. However, Dehring admits there is no guarantee the players will accept the offer, with the option of franchise cricket on the table. “WIPA has agreed with us on the domestic side, and we informed them what we’re able to afford on the international side. So really that is now up to individual players to determine whether or not they would like to sign international contracts that have been offered to them,” he said. “With regard to them being able to earn outside of West Indies cricket in other lucrative leagues around the world, we have always been very understanding, allowing players leeway where we can. WIPA and ourselves have also discussed various options to seek amicable compromise before coming to an agreement.” “Of course, we would prefer them to play for the West Indies at all times as a priority, but we also understand that there are opportunities around the world for them to apply their trade. At the same time, we believe there should be some level of obligation to give back to the institution that is West Indies cricket, which facilitated the opportunity for them to earn from cricket. We believe, by and large, the players understand that obligation.” With the India tour wrapping up on October 17, Dehring believes the players have ample time to weigh their options. “We don’t want players to feel there is the proverbial gun to their head to sign contracts that have been offered. It’s an important and considered decision for them to make, discuss it with their agents, their lawyers, so we have given them two weeks to review and they can decide whether or not they choose to be internationally contracted players,” he said. “That would not preclude them from being selected to represent West Indies, or making themselves available to West Indies. So, we will wait to hear from those players that have been offered international contracts as to whether they are accepting or not. And then, we will get them approved at CWI board level and announce those players.” The Windies Women, who are currently touring Zimbabwe, will also face a 25 per cent pay cut including Jamaicans Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry. — Daniel Blake