(CMC) – Uncapped Kaysia Schultz is among three new West Indies Women players handed central retainer contracts, as Cricket West Indies yesterday increased the overall number to 18 for the coming year, with all 15 players retained from the previous year.
Qiana Joseph, 20, who played two One-Day Internationals in the ICC World Cup four years ago, and fellow pacer Shawnisha Hector, whose single international appearance came in an ODI two years ago, are the other new faces.
The 24-year-old Schultz is a left-arm spinner from Guyana who has been part of West Indies training camps in the past.
Chief selector Ann Browne-John described the additions as “positive” for the development of the women’s game and also hailed the move by Cricket West Indies to retain all 15 players from the previous year as the “fairest decision”, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic which restricted the Caribbean side to only five Twenty20 Internationals last year.
“The last contract period did not see many international matches as we only played five T20I matches against England,” Browne-John explained.
“Despite this, the contracted players were able to keep themselves fit and match ready. It was therefore the fairest decision to return all 15 to contract.
“Additionally, it is really a positive that three new development contracts have been awarded for the upcoming year. This will allow the requisite focus to be placed on these young players as they continue to progress their careers.”
Browne-John said Joseph and Schultz were assets because of their left-arm ability while Hector had continued to impress, despite not playing regularly.
“There has been a lack of left-arm orthodox bowlers in the region, therefore Joseph and Schultz will hopefully help fill this void, with Joseph also bringing her left-hand batting skills which is also limited in the region,” she pointed out.
“Hector is one of the bright young fast bowlers who has been bowling with great aggression in the past few training camps.”
Among the retained players are Captain Stafanie Taylor, seasoned all-rounder Deandra Dottin and the likes of all-rounder Hayley Matthews and veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed.
They represent the core of the West Indies Women unit with fringe players like Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond – all with a handful of international appearances – all keeping their contracts.
“I am delighted for all the players who have been awarded central contracts, especially those who are new to the contract list,” said director of cricket, Jimmy Adams.
“We saw fit to expand the list of retained players by awarding additional development contracts to three young players who the selectors strongly recommended for inclusion.”
All contracts begin July 1. West Indies Women are currently undergoing a high performance camp in Antigua which got underway last weekend under the leadership of head coach Courtney Walsh.
