Holder Mayers and Pooran Decline Central Contracts
Cricket West Indies said on Sunday (December 10) that Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran all declined central contracts but will be available to play Twenty20 Internationals in 2023–2024. The list of players under central contract was released by the CWI, and it included 15 women and 14 men.
Four male cricket players—Gudakesh Motie, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Alick Athanaze—have received their first central contract offer. For the first time, two female cricket players under central contract are Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond.
Key players have already declined contracts with the West Indies, including Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, and Chris Gayle back in 2010. This is not the first time that this has happened in an era of growing workloads and T20 franchise leagues giving players alternatives to provide a semblance of financial stability. More recently, Trent Boult, the speed demon from New Zealand, opted out of his central contract in August of last year, yet he still played for his nation in the 2023 World Cup. Ben Stokes signed a one-year contract with England in October of this year, declining a three-year offer.
West Indies cricket is facing a significant shake-up as former captains Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and all-rounder Nicholas Pooran have declined central contracts for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the list of centrally contracted players, revealing that these three players will only be available for the Twenty20 Internationals during the contract year. This decision raises questions about the future of these players in the longest format of the game. Let’s delve into the implications of this development and explore the players who have been offered contracts.
The Declined Central Contracts
Jason Holder:
Holder, a former West Indies Test captain, has played a significant role in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats.
His recent form has been underwhelming, with a batting average of only 20 in Tests and 32 in ODIs during the contract evaluation period.
Despite declining the central contract, Holder has confirmed his availability for West Indies T20 Internationals.
His absence from the recent one-day series against England indicates his prioritization of Test and T20 formats.
Kyle Mayers:
Mayers, an exciting batting all-rounder, made a sensational debut in Test cricket by scoring a double hundred against Bangladesh.
However, his performances since then have been inconsistent, leading to his exclusion from the list of centrally contracted players.
Mayers, like Holder, has expressed his availability for T20 Internationals.
Nicholas Pooran:
Pooran, a white-ball specialist, has captained West Indies in 17 ODIs.
His last ODI appearance was in the World Cup Qualifiers against Sri Lanka.
Although he hasn’t played Test cricket, Pooran’s exclusion from the central contracts list is noteworthy.
The New Central Contracts
While Holder, Mayers, and Pooran declined central contracts, Cricket West Indies has offered contracts to several other players. Notably, four players have received central contracts for the first time:
Gudakesh Motie:
Motie, a left-arm spinner, has impressed selectors with his performances.
His inclusion in the centrally contracted players’ list is a testament to his potential.
Keacy Carty:
Carty, a right-hand batsman, has caught the attention of selectors with his consistent performances.
His inclusion in the centrally contracted players’ list reflects the belief that he can contribute to West Indies cricket.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul:
Chanderpaul, son of Test legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, made a remarkable start to his Test career by scoring a double hundred against Zimbabwe.
This performance has earned him a central contract, indicating the selectors’ confidence in his abilities.
Alick Athanaze:
Athanaze, a left-hand batsman, has burst onto the international scene recently, playing two Tests and seven ODIs.
His inclusion in the centrally contracted players’ list highlights his potential to contribute to West Indies cricket.
The Significance of Central Contracts
Central contracts play a crucial role in shaping the future of cricket in the West Indies. These contracts provide financial stability and security to players, allowing them to focus on their game without worrying about financial constraints. The players who receive central contracts are expected to feature prominently in the team’s plans for upcoming series and tournaments.
The Direction of West Indies Cricket
West Indies cricket is looking to build a strong team across all formats, with a focus on challenging for the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. With away Test series against Australia and England, the team aims to build a formidable lineup capable of competing at the highest level.
Women’s Central Contracts
Cricket West Indies has also announced central contracts for women cricketers. Two players, Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond, have received central contracts for the first time. This reflects the selectors’ emphasis on developing younger players and preparing them for high-profile bilateral series and major global events.
Conclusion
The decision of Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran to decline central contracts has raised eyebrows in West Indies cricket. While their absence from the centrally contracted players’ list may be disappointing, it opens up opportunities for emerging talents like Gudakesh Motie, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Alick Athanaze. As West Indies cricket looks to build a competitive team across all formats, these contracts play a vital role in shaping the future of the sport in the region. Only time will tell how these decisions will impact the team’s performance and the careers of the players involved.
