West Indies announce central contracts list; Anisa Mohammed misses out

Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Natasha McLean and Karishma Ramharack have been awarded Cricket West Indies central contracts which extend between the period of 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020. A total of 15 women— an increase in three— have earned contracts for the 2019-20 season.



“We believe the 2019-20 contract list provides us with a multi-talented group of players who can represent West Indies men and women across all formats over the contract period,” said Robert Haynes, interim Chairman of the CWI selection panel. “We believe the mix of players selected are important for the development of our teams going forward and we have looked to award contracts to players who have shown commitment and performance during the past year.”



King, the veteran left-hand batter, returned to the international circuit after a three year hiatus in May this year. She was part of West Indies recent tour to England where she scored a fluent 43 in the final T20I. 



Knight, the left-hand wicket-keeper batter, has effectively filled the shoes of Merissa Aguilleira who recently retired. She has played a crucial role in the team’s development over the last year or two.



McLean, the right hand batter, who made a comeback to the international circuit after three years, impressed with her ability to clear the boundary. She scored 276 runs in 14 innings since her return, including her maiden T20I and ODI half-centuries against South Africa and Pakistan respectively. She was also part of the West Indies squad for the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup at home.



Henry, the left-arm pacer, and Ramharack, the right-arm off-spinner, are still finding their feet at the international level, but thought to be promising prospects. Alongside Gajnabi, Hector, and McLean they will receive their first contracts.



Renice Boyce, Anisa Mohammed and Akeira Peters missed out, while Merissa Aguilleira, who retired recently, was the fourth player replaced.



Mohammed, the highest wicket-taker in T20Is, has been overlooked after being sidelined for much of last season. The off-spinner last played an international in February 2019 against Pakistan in Dubai.



List of contracted players:



Players who retained contracts: Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor



New players offered contracts : Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Natasha McLean, Karishma Ramharack



Players no longer on contracts: Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Anisa Mohammed, Akeira Peters