Region’s players committed to WI Cricket

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams believes the majority of the region’s cricketers are committed to playing for West Indies, despite the lucrative Twenty20 franchise leagues around the world.

West Indies players are among the most popular Twenty20 cricketers in the world and franchises are willing to dig deep into their pockets to sign them.

Sunil Narine, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran and former West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard go for big money in T20 drafts.

Some West Indies players have chosen not to be contracted by CWI, which gives them the choice to play in T20s around the world instead of representing the West Indies.

Speaking with journalists on Zoom recently, Adams when asked if players were using West Indies as a platform to get into Twenty20 leagues when they see fit, said, “You will have players who will opt to take contracts because they want the freedom to go and play whenever and wherever.”

Adams does not think most of the players have West Indies as a second choice after T20 cricket.

All West Indies contracted players must recieve a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from CWI to play franchise leagues.

Last month, Pollard surprisingly announced his retirement from international cricket. He turned 35 last week.

Pollard, however, will continue to play franchise cricket.

West Indies cricketers have played in other T20 leagues around the world including the Big Bash League in Australia, Pakistan Super League and Bangladesh Premier League.

Adams said CWI tries to organize their regional schedule so West Indies players will have the opportunity to participate in top T20 leagues.

CWI lead selector Desmond Haynes was also at the Zoom conference.

Adams was speaking during the virtual meeting in Barbados following the annocment of the  West Indies squad tour of the Netherlands and Pakistan.