CWI announces 2025-26 retainer contracts, Brathwaite, Da Silva, Hodge dropped

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its list of international retainer contracts for the 2025-26 season, with notable omissions and fresh inclusions on both the men’s and women’s rosters. The contracts will run from October 1, 2025.

Three major changes headline the men’s list. Kraigg Brathwaite, the former Test captain, along with Joshua Da Silva and Kavem Hodge, have all missed out on retainers. In their place, CWI has awarded contracts to Justin Greaves, Sherfane Rutherford, and Jomel Warrican. The core group of West Indies men’s cricket remains intact, with Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales all retaining their central deals.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe explained the decision-making process, noting that the contracts were issued based on a balance between current form, long-term potential, and the broader strategy of preparing for future global tournaments.

“These decisions are aligned with the pathways designed for West Indies cricket’s long-term success,” Bascombe said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The women’s roster also underwent changes, with seamers Jannillea Glasgow and Shawnisha Hector awarded international retainers. However, Shamilia Connell, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chedean Nation, and Rashada Williams have all been left out. Despite the adjustments, the backbone of the women’s setup remains strong. Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Shemaine Campbelle continue to be part of the core group.

In line with CWI’s broader development strategy, starter (development) contracts have been handed to Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne, Jahzara Claxton, and Realeanna Grimmond. Additionally, CWI confirmed academy contracts for 15 men’s cricketers and 14 women’s cricketers, strengthening the pipeline of talent for the years ahead.

Both the men’s and women’s teams are under scrutiny following inconsistent performances in recent months. The West Indies women’s side endured a disappointing run, failing to qualify for the ongoing ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. However, they did show signs of resurgence, beating South Africa in a T20I series in June.

The men’s team has had a turbulent year. They were whitewashed by Australia in a Test series at home in July, which included the poor performance of being bowled out for just 27 runs in their final innings, one of their lowest points in recent history. That result triggered an emergency meeting within CWI. Following that, they went down 2-1 to Nepal in a T20I series in September, though there were some positives, including a home ODI series win against Pakistan in August. However, they lost the corresponding T20I series against the same opposition.

West Indies men's contracts 2025-26

Senior men: 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 contracts 2025-26

Senior women: 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.