CWI ‘committed to ensuring player safety’ amid claims of sexual harassment
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Mar 22, CMC – Amidst claims by a female player of sexual harassment at the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, both the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) say they are committed to providing a safe environment for its players.
The two organizations issued a joint statement following reports that the unnamed player was harassed during the tournament that was held in Australia five years ago.
In a joint release, WIPA and CWI maintained that they take “such matters seriously and remain fully committed to ensuring a safe, professional, and supportive environment for all players and staff,” the statement said.
The two bodies said they would continue to work together to ensure that players were adequately protected.
“In light of this, WIPA and CWI will convene to review all aspects of athlete safeguarding within West Indies cricket.
“This joint effort reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of player welfare and ensuring that all safeguarding policies remain robust and effective,” the statement further added.
“Both organizations have already taken significant steps to enhance player protection. In 2021, improved safeguarding measures were introduced for women’s tours, strengthening security and well-being.”
It noted that in “May 2023, CWI implemented additional policies, including single-room accommodations for the West Indies Senior Women’s team on all international assignments, ensuring parity with the men’s team.”
They were among other policy initiatives within the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the period October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2027.
Additionally, the CWI Women’s Cricket Transformation Committee was established to further advance women’s cricket.”
“We have implemented and strictly adhered to UNICEF’s Children Protection Policy, ensuring that minors never share rooms with adults under any circumstance.
“Additionally, we have mandated ongoing training for all officials to reinforce and uphold these standards,” the statement disclosed.
“WIPA and CWI remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and professionalism within West Indies cricket. There will be continuous evaluation of all aspects of policy to ensure every player deserves to feel safe, valued, and fully focused on their career.
“Through this upcoming review, we will continue working to strengthen safeguards and reinforce our unwavering support for all athletes,” the statement read.
