Queens Park Oval in Trinidad.
Flickr/Dominic Sayers
Cricket West Indies is facing a cash flow crisis, leading it to suspend this year’s Men’s Super50 and Women’s T20 Blaze tournaments, reduce domestic player retainers, and cut international retainer fees by 25%.
CEO Chris Dehring said CWI could no longer afford to maintain its traditional domestic programme while meeting the rising costs of international cricket.
“First and immediately, we must address and right-size our cost base,” Dehring said.
CWI secured a US$16 million loan from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide temporary financial relief, with the funds being released in three tranches over the next year.
Dehring said CWI has spent over US$80 million on domestic cricket in 15 years, while the domestic franchise program will be reviewed and player retainers reduced. International retainers will remain at 12 months but fees will be cut by 25%.
CWI has hired international consultancy firm Teneo to review its operations, policies, processes, and staffing.
The Men’s Super50 suspension will help redirect resources toward preparing the ODI team for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers and World Cup.
The West Indies will also face England A in November before an ODI camp, while last year’s Super50 results will determine the Caribbean teams for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
The Women’s T20 Blaze has been suspended, with its top four teams securing Pan Am places. The Women’s Super50 will be replaced by a Best vs Best development tournament, while the four-day WI Cricket Championships will keep its 12-match format.
Dehring said the financial cuts were necessary but would be supported by investment in player development, infrastructure, and commercial growth.
“We know and understand we cannot simply cut our way to sustainability and produce competitive and winning West Indies teams,” he added.