West Indies announce 33 contracts for 2026-27, Campbell returns after 7 years

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its international retainer contracts for the 2026-27 season, awarding senior contracts to 15 men and 15 women, while three emerging male cricketers have been included under development agreements.

The contracts, effective from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, recognise recent performances and form part of the board's preparations for major international assignments, including the men's World Cup qualification campaign and the women's upcoming ODI series against Pakistan.

Matthew Forde, Amir Jangoo and Mandy Mangru have earned their maiden international retainer contracts, while opener John Campbell has returned to the contracted group for the first time since 2019.

Shai Hope will continue to captain the men's ODI and T20I teams, Roston Chase will lead the Test side, and Hayley Matthews will retain the captaincy of the senior women's team.

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀

Campbell's inclusion follows an impressive 2025-26 season in which he registered his maiden Test century and made a successful return to ODI cricket.

The left-handed opener scored 115 against India in Delhi in October 2025, before returning to the 50-over international format after a six-year absence.

He marked his ODI comeback with a century off 68 deliveries against India in Guwahati in September 2026, strengthening his case for a return to the contracted group.

Forde has also been rewarded for his performances in limited-overs cricket, particularly his effectiveness with the new ball.

The fast bowler emerged as West Indies' leading powerplay wicket-taker across the two white-ball formats over the past year, claiming 10 wickets in T20 Internationals and six in ODIs during that phase.

Jangoo secured his first retainer following a breakthrough period in Test cricket.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck a career-best 233 against Sri Lanka in Antigua in June, sharing a 401-run partnership with Chase that established a world record for the sixth wicket in Test cricket.

He continued his impressive form in the ongoing second World Test Championship Test against Bangladesh, finishing the opening day unbeaten on 111.

𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀

CWI has awarded development contracts to Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste and Vitel Lawes.

All three have already represented the West Indies internationally, although Auguste and Lawes are receiving their first international contracts.

The development agreements are intended to provide emerging players with additional opportunities to train within the international setup and benefit from the resources available to senior cricketers.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said the contracts reflected the board's intention to strengthen the player pool ahead of important international competitions.

He explained that development contracts would allow the board to provide closer support to emerging players while keeping them in contention for selection.

Keacy Carty, Chase, Justin Greaves and Jomel Warrican have meanwhile entered the final year of their respective two-year contracts.

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝘂 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿

In the women's setup, Mandy Mangru has received her first international retainer contract following her involvement in the West Indies squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Experienced players Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry have entered the final year of their two-year agreements.

The women's team is preparing for a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in December under interim head coach Andre Coley.

The series will be important for the Caribbean side as it seeks to secure automatic qualification for the next ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.

Matthews will continue leading the team, which includes experienced players such as Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

Bascombe said the contracts had been awarded with specific international objectives in mind.

The men's team is preparing for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in February, while the women's immediate priority is the ODI series against Pakistan.

He said the contracted players would be expected to contribute towards achieving those targets, with the board placing emphasis on performance and preparation.

CWI also clarified that players who had not received international retainer contracts would remain eligible for selection across all West Indies teams.

The board will separately announce the composition of its 2026-27 Men's Academy and regional women's contracts.

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀

Senior men's retainer contracts (15): John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican.

Men's development contracts (3): Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste and Vitel Lawes.

Senior women's retainer contracts (15): Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor.

The latest contract cycle reflects Cricket West Indies' efforts to balance experienced international performers with emerging talent as both senior teams prepare for crucial qualification assignments in the coming months.