CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: West Indies Cricket Cuts Player Retainer Fees by 25 Percent Amid Financial Crisis
New Delhi. West Indies cricket is facing severe financial pressure. Cricket West Indies has decided to cut the retainer fees of centrally contracted international players by 25 percent. The change will remain in effect from October 2026 to September 2027. However, the contract period for international players will remain 12 months.
The board has also made changes to the domestic cricket structure. Retainer contracts for domestic players will now run for seven months, from October 2026 to April 2027, instead of 12 months. Cricket West Indies cited rising operating costs and financial pressure as the main reasons behind the decision.
In addition, the men’s Super50 competition and the women’s T20 Blaze competition have been suspended this year. According to the board, staging domestic competitions places a heavy burden on Cricket West Indies through player and staff salaries, match fees, air travel, hotels and other expenses, which it is difficult to continue under the current circumstances.
According to the report, Cricket West Indies recorded a net loss of around $28 million in the financial year that ended in September 2025, and a loss of about $26 million is estimated for the financial cycle up to September 2026. In July, the board also received an emergency loan of around $12.82 million from the International Cricket Council.
West Indies are scheduled to play qualifiers for the 2027 ODI World Cup in February-March 2027. Despite the suspension of the Super50 competition, the board has planned preparation through one-day matches against England A and a team camp in November.
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