West Indies' 2026-27 Contracts: New Faces, Big Surprises

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-11-06

Cricket West Indies dropped its central contract list for 2026-27 on Thursday, and it's a mix of fresh faces and a few shock omissions. The deals cover both men's and women's teams and run from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. Matthew Forde, Amir Jangoo, and Mandy Mangru all earned their first retainers. But not everyone got good news. ### Three Players Earn First West Indies Central Contracts Forde and Jangoo join the men's list of 15 retained players, while Mangru enters the women's group of 15. Forde is a seam bowler who can swing the new ball and bat in the lower order. He hasn't played a Test yet, but he's a regular in the white-ball sides, giving the team balance. Jangoo made headlines with an unbeaten century on the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. That was his second Test hundred, following a massive 233 against Sri Lanka in North Sound in June. Mangru is a wicketkeeper-batter who has played six ODIs and 13 T20Is for the West Indies women. Opening batter John Campbell also returned to the men's list, his first appearance since 2019. He made 62 and 101 in the ODIs in India, then scored 54 and 49 as West Indies beat Bangladesh in the Mirpur Test. Campbell's return is a testament to his perseverance. ### Shepherd, King and Athanaze Miss Out on Retainers Allrounder Romario Shepherd and batters Brandon King and Alick Athanaze held contracts previously but do not appear on this year's list. The board did not give reasons for the omissions. It's a tough break for the trio, but contract lists are always a snapshot of current form and future plans. Shai Hope, who leads the side in ODIs and T20Is, Roston Chase, the Test captain, and women's captain Hayley Matthews all stay in the contracted group. The other men on retainers are Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican. The women's list also includes Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor. ### Three Players Get Development Contracts Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste and Vitel Lawes received development contracts. Lawes is a 19-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner who has already played seven ODIs for West Indies. These deals are about nurturing talent and giving young players a clear pathway. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said these deals bring players into the international set-up, where the board can support them closely and guide their progress. "They are in contention for selection now," Bascombe said. He added that the arrangement gives them an environment in which to keep developing while they compete for places. > "Every contract relates to a task the teams face in the coming months," Bascombe explained, linking the list directly to upcoming assignments. ### CWI Links Contracts to Upcoming Assignments Bascombe tied the contract list to the fixtures ahead. For the men, the first assignment is the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in February, and the board intends to progress through it. The women play the Pakistan ODIs in December, which give West Indies a chance to secure automatic qualification for the next ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Bascombe said Forde, Jangoo and Mangru have earned their places in that work, and that Campbell has earned his return. The men's squad is currently in Bangladesh for the Test series, where Campbell and Jangoo have contributed with the bat. The women's team will begin its preparation for the Pakistan series over the coming weeks. So there you have it: a contract list that rewards performance and signals intent. For the players who missed out, it's a reminder that the game waits for no one. And for the new faces, it's a golden opportunity to cement their places.