ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Newly appointed Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said there were “ambitious plans and programs” in the pipeline to invigorate women’s cricket, after overseeing the launch of the inaugural Women’s Cricket Academy.
New CWI director of cricket, Miles Bascombe.In a statement Thursday, Cricket West Indies said the academy got underway last month at Coolidge Cricket Ground here, terming the development as “a significant milestone for women’s cricket in the region.”
The regional governing body said the main goal of the academy would be the “nurturing and developing” of talent across the region.
“This move aligns with Cricket West Indies’ commitment to fostering the growth of women’s cricket and investing in the development of players at all levels,” Bascombe said.
“We have ambitious plans and programs lined up to ensure sustained growth in women’s cricket.
“Our investment in talent development and coaching will create a robust foundation for the future success of our women cricketers.
“Our approach is to incrementally seek to level the playing field, and we have started this process in earnest in other key areas.”
Only recently, CWI announced significant increases in prize money for the women’s tournaments, as part of an overall boost in payouts for all regional competitions.
Additionally, the Dr Kishore Shallow-led administration moved to align the women’s international travel with their male counterparts, instituting a new policy that will see the side flying business class for long haul trips.
Bascombe, who replaced Jimmy Adams as director of cricket last June, said the new developments had come as a result of direct discussions with women’s players at a recent meeting.
“We have had a fruitful engagement with our women players during our recently held West Indies Cricket Players’ Summit in Barbados, and have taken into consideration their views,” said the 37-year-old former Windward Islands batsman, who played a single Twenty20 International 12 years ago.
“Such discussions have informed the priority areas for women’s cricket at this point, particularly the development pathway.”
Pointing to the West Indies Women’s A-team tour of Pakistan which bowls off next week in Lahore, Bascombe said CWI were firmly focussed on continuing to foster such development initiatives.
“The trajectory of women’s cricket is one that is very pleasing and that is why we are presently supporting the Women’s ‘A’ Team tour to Pakistan,” he said.
“Giving our players international opportunities helps to strengthen our second line and further enhances our competitive chances.”
