Saint Lucia’s Zaida James, Sheneta Grimmond contract by Cricket West Indies

Two extraordinary women cricket players from Saint Lucia have been offered special contracts by the Cricket West Indies,. Saint Lucia’s all-rounders, Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond, have been given the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills.

Zaida James represented the West Indies Cricket initially when she played in the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup, which was held in South Africa from 14th January to 29th January earlier this year.

She also joined the West Indies team on their tour to Australia and after that, she was given the chance to join West Indies A for their tour against Pakistan from 17th October to 8th November.

Further, the names of the players who have been contracted for the upcoming 2023-23 session for both the men’s and women’s teams has been announced by the West Indies.

The list of the contracted players was approved by the Board of Directors of West Indies Cricket as their recommendations were given by the selection committee.

The selection panel recommended the players on the basis of their performance in 2022-23.

The names of the Contracted Players (Women)

– Shabika Gajnabi

– Cherry-Ann Fraser

– Sheneta Grimmond

– Karishma Ramharack

– Zaida James

– Chinelle Henry

– Afy Fletcher

– Rashada Williams

– Stafanie Taylor

– Hayley Matthews

– Shemaine Campbelle

– Shamilia Connell

– Jannillea Glasgow

– Mandy Mangru

– Aaliyah Alleyne

Ann Browne-John, the West Indies Women’s Lead Selector, stated that “they have selected those players who they believe can drive West Indies cricket forward.”

She added that while selecting the players they have focused on the players development as they have several high-profile bilateral series ahead.

While keeping this perspective in their mind they want their players to be ready for every occasion and challenge.

The names of the Contracted Players (Men)

– Alick Athanaze

– Joshua Da Silva

– Alzarri Joseph

– Brandon King

– Rovman Powell

– Romario Shepherd

– Jayden Seales

– Gudakesh Motie

– Akeal Hosein

– Keacy Carty

– Shai Hope

– Kraigg Brathwaite

– Tagenarine Chadnerpaul

– Kemar Roach

Notably, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers were also offered the contracts, but they declined the central contract. However, these players confirmed their availability for all West Indies T20 Internationals during the year.

Dr Desmond Haynes, the West Indies Men’s lead selector, stated “that we are very clear in the direction we want to go. The players who have been offered contracts are among those who we expect to feature as we are looking for the greater challenge of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.”

He also added that they are also aiming for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 by building a strong team.