West Indies Cricket Team Salaries & Central Contracts List

By: Cricbites | October 4, 2025

The West Indies cricket team has always held a unique charm. From the dominance of Sir Richards and Clive in the 1970s and 80s to the modern era of Gayle and Andre. The Caribbean islands have produced entertainers who have defined world cricket.

While their golden era of champions is long gone, West Indies is still a powerhouse in T20 cricket. However, it is now facing a major challenge. Thus, the team is facing a reduction in central contracts, as many star players have started leaving for franchise leagues.

To counter this, Cricket West Indies (CWI) continues to introduce central contracts for their key players. On October 1, 2025, CWI announced its 2025-26 central contract list, which made some significant changes.

West Indies Central Contracts 2025-26: Key Highlights

A total of 15 senior men’s contracts were awarded.
12 players were retained from the previous cycle.
Three new players, Justin Greaves, Sherfane Rutherford and Jomel Warrickan, were added.
Openers Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua da Silva and all-rounder Kev Hodge remained out of the contract.
Three emerging players were awarded initial contracts: Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades and Johan Lane.
In addition, 15 academy contracts were awarded to nurture young talent.

The structure reflects CWI’s effort to balance established stars with investment in the next generation.

West Indies Cricketers with Central Contracts 2025–26

Senior Men’s Contracts

Alick Athanaze (Retained)
Keacy Carty (Retained)
Roston Chase (Retained)
Shai Hope (Retained)
Akeal Hosein (Retained)
Alzarri Joseph (Retained)
Shamar Joseph (Retained)
Brandon King (Retained)
Gudakesh Motie (Retained)
Rovman Powell (Retained)
Jayden Seales (Retained)
Romario Shepherd (Retained)
Justin Greaves (New)
Jomel Warrican (New)
Sherfane Rutherford (New)

Starter Contracts

Jewel Andrew
Jediah Blades
Johann Layne

Academy Contracts

Ackeem Auguste
Ryan Bandoo
Jediah Blades
Rivaldo Clarke
Mavendra Dindyal
Giovonte Depeiza
Nathan Edward
Damel Evelyn
Amari Goodridge
Mbeki Joseph
Johann Layne
Zishan Motara
Kelvin Pittman
Renico Smith
Carlon Tuckett

West Indies Cricketers’ Salaries 2025-26

The CWI does not release exact figures. But it is estimated that players with central contracts earn between USD 150,000 and USD 300,000 annually.

Multi-format players (those who play Tests, ODIs and T20Is) earn the highest salaries, which are close to USD 300,000.

Dual-format players earn around USD 240,000.

Specialist format players earn towards the lower end of the salary scale.

Match Fee Analysis

In addition to retainers, West Indies cricketers also receive match fees:

Test matches: ~ USD 5,000 per game
ODIs: ~ USD 2,300 per match
T20Is: ~ USD 1,700 per match

These fees are important for players who contribute regularly to limited-overs cricket.

Starter And Academy Contracts

The CWI has also introduced starter contracts, which act as development deals for new talent on the verge of breaking into the senior team. Players like Jewel Andrew and Johan Lane are prime examples of young stars who could become mainstays in the future. These contracts are key stepping stones for cricketers looking to break into international cricket.

The Future of West Indies Central Contracts

Cricket West Indies is trying to balance the freedom and national duty of players. By offering starter and academy contracts, they are building a long-term pipeline. However, until player salaries match global standards, the CWI could continue to lose top talent in franchise cricket.

The introduction of performance bonuses and ICC tournament incentives could help bridge this gap. But it will still require strong financial backing and support from global cricket bodies.

Conclusion

The West Indies cricketers’ salaries and central contracts for 2025-26 reflect both continuity and change. The starter and academy contracts further highlight the CWI’s focus on building for the future. Yet, a long-standing challenge remains. Thailand is balancing the financial appeal of franchise cricket with the pride of representing the Caribbean. If the CWI can find a sustainable financial model, the West Indies could once again dominate world cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How much do West Indies cricketers earn in 2025-26?

Centrally contracted West Indies cricketers earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually. It depends primarily on their format involvement and seniority.

Q2. What are starter and academy contracts in West Indies cricket?

Starter contracts are development deals given to young cricketers who are close to breaking into the senior team. On the other hand, academy contracts are for emerging players at the grassroots level.

Q3. Why do many West Indies stars refuse central contracts?

The main reason is financial. A central contract from the CWI pays a maximum of $300,000, while an IPL or franchise league contract can pay many times more.

Q4. Who are the new players on West Indies’ central contracts for 2025-26?

For the 2025-26 season, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warricken and Sherfane Rutherford were added to the senior men’s contract list. Meanwhile, Jewell Andrew, Jeddah Blades and Johan Lane were given starter contracts.

Q5. What challenges does West Indies cricket face with central contracts?

The biggest challenge is player retention. With limited financial resources, the CWI is struggling to compete with global T20 leagues.