Cricket West Indies (CWI) is setting a new course for women’s cricket in the region, backed by substantial investment. This drive follows the launch of the inaugural Women’s Cricket Academy, a pivotal initiative dedicated to nurturing the Caribbean’s female cricketing talent. Under the guidance of Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, the Academy commenced its activities at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, marking a significant milestone in the region’s women’s cricket.
Director of Cricket, Bascombe, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This initiative perfectly aligns with Cricket West Indies’ unwavering commitment to nurturing women’s cricket and investing in player development at all levels.”
As CWI embarks on its four-year budget cycle and strategic plan formation, Bascombe underscores the organization’s dedication to investments that will foster women’s cricket’s overall development. “We have ambitious plans and programs to ensure the sustained growth of women’s cricket. Our investment in talent development and coaching establishes a strong foundation for the future success of our women cricketers. Our approach is progressively leveling the playing field, and this earnest process has commenced in various critical areas,” he noted.
Earlier this year, CWI took a significant step by ensuring members of the West Indies Women’s squad travel business class for all long-haul international flights and enjoy single room accommodations for international assignments. This change aligned with the policy for the West Indies Senior Men’s tours, resulting in a budget increase of over US$500,000 for the women’s team.
Bascombe, who took office in August, emphasized the significance of direct player engagement in shaping the future of women’s cricket. “Our productive discussions with women players during the West Indies Cricket Players’ Summit in Barbados have guided our focus areas, particularly regarding the development pathway.”
The West Indies Women’s A team, with an average squad age of 20, recently embarked on their first-ever away tour in Pakistan. Most of the players participated in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Bascombe concluded, “The trajectory of women’s cricket is promising, which is why we are actively supporting the Women’s ‘A’ Team tour to Pakistan. Providing international opportunities strengthens our second line and enhances our competitiveness.”
CWI and the West Indies Players Association are finalizing a new Memorandum of Understanding, striving for substantial increases for women cricketers, expected to be announced soon.
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