ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — As part of efforts to nurture emerging talent, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has awarded 30 of the region’s up-and-coming male and female cricketers with one-year contracts.

In making the announcement on Thursday, CWI revealed that for the first time in its history, the men’s Academy cohort will be based full-time at the CWI-owned Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua.

Fifteen young men under the age of 23 will receive dedicated, year-long coaching and training, and will have access to world-class resources, including a dedicated technical team, as they prepare for the rigors of regional and international cricket.

Meanwhile, the female Academy players will continue their high-performance development in their home territories with regular training camps at CCG throughout the year.

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.

Director of Cricket at CWI Miles Bascombe emphasised the importance of both programmes.

“The CWI academies are instrumental in bridging the gap between junior and senior levels, ensuring that both men and women receive the support they need to succeed internationally.

“By focusing on holistic development and providing tailored, high-performance programming, we are accelerating the growth of our emerging players and securing a bright future for West Indies cricket,” Bascombe said.

The contracts run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Academy Contracts: Men — Ackeem Auguste, Jediah Blades, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Justin Jaggersar, Johan Layne, Zishan Motara, Michael Palmer, Kelvin Pitman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.

Women — Asabi Callendar, Jahzara Claxton, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Briana Harricaharan, Shawnisha Hector, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott.