Greaves, Rutherford, Warrican Earn Central Contracts as West Indies Ring Changes for 2025-26
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its central contract lists for the 2025-26 season, with several new faces included and some high-profile omissions. Justin Greaves, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jomel Warrican have been awarded full senior men’s contracts, while former Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, and allrounder Kavem Hodge have been left out.
The revamped 15-man list reflects CWI’s ongoing effort to rebuild and reorient its cricketing structure following a string of underwhelming performances in both men's and women's cricket. The contracts are effective from October 1, 2025.
On the women's side, seamers Jannillea Glasgow and Shawnisha Hector have been promoted to the 13-player senior list, while Shamilia Connell, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chedean Nation, and Rashada Williams miss out.
Core Retained, Focus on Future
Despite the shake-ups, many senior players have retained their contracts. The men’s list continues to feature Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales. Among the women, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Shemaine Campbelle remain key figures.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized that contract decisions were made with both current performance and long-term potential in mind.
“These contracts are awarded based on current performance and future potential, with a focus on our broader strategy of preparing for major global tournaments,” said Bascombe. “This aligns with the developmental pathways we’ve set to drive long-term success for West Indies cricket.”
Development Contracts and Academy Focus
In addition to the senior retainers, Starter (development) contracts have been handed out to promising talents Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, and Johann Layne for the men’s team, and to Jahzara Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond for the women’s setup.
Furthermore, 15 men and 14 women have been inducted into the CWI Academy Program, reinforcing the board’s commitment to nurturing young talent across the region.
Context: Struggles and Glimmers of Hope
The contract overhaul comes at a crucial time for West Indies cricket, particularly the men’s team, which has faced heavy criticism after a 27-run all-out collapse against Australia in a home Test in July — the lowest Test innings in their history. That performance prompted an “emergency meeting” within CWI.
In limited-overs formats, the men had mixed results — they won an ODI series against Pakistan at home in August but were beaten 2-1 by Nepal in a T20I series in September.
The women’s team also suffered a major setback, failing to qualify for the ongoing ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, despite a morale-boosting T20I series win over South Africa earlier in the year.
Full List of Central Contracts
West Indies Men's Senior Contracts (2025–26):
Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican
Starter Contracts:
Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne
Men’s Academy:
Ackeem Auguste, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Giovonte Depeiza, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pittman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett
West Indies Women's Senior Contracts (2025–26):
Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack
Starter Contracts:
Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond
Women’s Academy:
Abigail Bryce, Asabi Callender, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajanbi, Brianna Harricharan, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott
Cricket West Indies’ latest contract announcement signals a renewed focus on performance-based selection and youth development — as the board looks to stabilize results and restore pride in West Indies cricket on the global stage.