Shallow hails CWI’s efforts to empower women

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow has praised the efforts made by his administration in promoting gender equality and empowerment, as International Women’s Day is being celebrated on March 8.

Shallow said, “Since assuming office, we have embarked on a transformative journey of inclusivity, recognizing and valuing the exceptional contributions of our female athletes.”

Shallow noted that West Indies women have been upgraded to business class for all long-haul international flights and enjoy single-room accommodations for international assignments, aligning with the policies for the men’s teams.

“This progressive step has led to a substantial increase in the women’s budget, surpassing US$500,000,” Shallow said.

“This investment underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering growth and excellence in women’s cricket, inspiring generations to come.”

“Additionally, we initiated two A-team tours, commencing with one tour to Pakistan in October 2023, providing invaluable exposure and experience to our emerging talent.”

Shallow said the winner of the 2024 CG United Super50 Cup Women’s Tournament will receive US$20,000 while the winner of the T20 Blaze get US$10,000.

“These significant prize monies emphasize our dedication to elevating the stature of women’s cricket and encouraging stellar performances.”

Shallow also congratulated WI Women’s Captain, Hayley Matthews, who has been named ICC T20 Player of 2023. She is ranked number one in T20 all-rounders and number three in ICC ODI all-rounders.

He added that Matthews’s achievements exemplify the exceptional talent and potential within women’s cricket regionally.

“CWI remains steadfast in its mission to achieve pay parity by 2027, as outlined in the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding. We are resolute in our commitment to empowering women in cricket and fostering a more equitable and inclusive sporting environment.”