BOTH MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ACADEMY COHORTS SET FOR ADVANCED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE REGION

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce the awarding of full-time, one-year contracts to 30 young players as part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the region. For the first time, the Men’s Academy cohort will be based full-time at the CWI-owned Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, while the Women’s Academy players will continue their high-performance development in their home territories with regular training camps at CCG throughout the year.

This year marks a significant step for the Men’s Academy, with 15 players under the age of 23 receiving dedicated, year-long coaching and training. These young men will have access to world-class resources, including a dedicated technical team, as they prepare for the rigors of regional and international cricket. The Women’s Academy, which was launched during the 2023/24 season, continues to offer young female cricketers critical development opportunities. The 15 women awarded contracts for this season will benefit from specialized training with Talent Pathway coaches and ongoing high-performance initiatives in their respective territories and CCG, as well as experiencing an international tour.

Speaking about the contracts, Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, emphasized the importance of both programmes:

West Indies Academy player Johann Layne delivers a ball v Ireland

Men’s Academy

The Men’s Academy continues to play a vital role in developing young cricketers, with three graduates from last year’s cohort earning franchise contracts. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes on-field skill enhancement as well as off-field elements like personal development, leadership training, and media engagement.

2024/25 Men’s Academy Contracts:

1. Ackeem Auguste
2. Jediah Blades
3. Joshua Bishop
4. Teddy Bishop
5. McKenny Clarke
6. Rivaldo Clarke
7. Mavendra Dindyal
8. Nathan Edward
9. Justin Jaggersar
10. Johan Layne
11. Zishan Motara
12. Michael Palmer
13. Kelvin Pitman
14. Renico Smith
15. Carlon Tuckett

West Indies Women’s Academy Players Jahzara Claxton, Asabi Callendar and Jannillea Glasgow

Women’s Academy

The Women’s Academy continues to demonstrate CWI’s strong commitment to growing women’s cricket. In line with CWI’s broader strategic goals, the Women’s Academy program emphasises regional development, with contracted players receiving tailored support in their home territories, training camps at CCG and international series, giving them the tools they need to advance their careers.

2024/25 Women’s Academy Contracts:

1. Asabi Callendar
2. Jahzara Claxton
3. NaiJanni Cumberbatch
4. Shabika Gajnabi
5. Jannillea Glasgow
6. Realeanna Grimmond
7. Briana Harricaharan
8. Shawnisha Hector
9. Trishan Holder
10. Djenaba Joseph
11. Nyia Latchman
12. Samara Ramnath
13. Shunelle Sawh
14. Steffie Soogrim
15. Kate Wilmott

These contracts, which run from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, are a critical part of CWI’s long-term vision to ensure both male and female players are well-prepared to represent the West Indies on the international stage.