Cricket West Indies suspends Super50 and cuts player retainers amid cash flow crisis

NEW YORK, United States. Cricket West Indies (CWI) is facing a cash flow crisis that has forced 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%.

Chief executive 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," he said.

ICC loan

CWI has secured a US$16 million loan from the International Cricket Council for temporary relief, with the money to be released in three tranches over the next year.

Dehring said CWI had spent more than US$80 million on domestic cricket over 15 years. The domestic franchise programme will be reviewed and domestic retainers reduced. International retainers will remain at 12 months, but fees will be cut by 25%.

The board has hired international consultancy Teneo to review its operations, policies, processes and staffing.

Changes to competitions

Suspending the Men's Super50 will help redirect resources towards preparing the ODI team for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup itself. The West Indies will also face England A in November before an ODI camp.

Last year's Super50 results will decide the Caribbean teams for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

With the Women's T20 Blaze suspended, its top four teams have secured Pan Am places. The Women's Super50 will be replaced by a Best vs Best development tournament, while the four-day West Indies Championship keeps its 12-match format.

Dehring said the cuts were necessary but would be backed 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 said.