Joseph, Matthews top nominees for CWI/WIPA Awards Gala

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and all-rounder Hayley Matthews are at the top of a list of nominees for the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Awards Gala.

Joseph has been nominated for three awards among the men, while Matthews has been nominated for two women’s awards, which is scheduled for June 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle.

Joseph will vie for the awards of the Test Player of the Year, Men’s ODI Player of the Year, and Men’s T20 Player of the Year.

However, Keacy Carty and Nicholas Pooran, the top West Indies performers in 2024, will also be in the contest for the ODI Player of the Year and T20 Player of the Year awards, respectively.

Matthews will vie for the Women’s T20 Player of the Year and Women’s ODI Player of the Year awards.

There will also be awards for West Indies Championship Player of the Year, Regional T20 Player of the Year, CG United Super50 Cup Player of the Year, CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Player of the Year, and CWI Women’s T20 Blaze Player of the Year.

This year’s gala will also include a tribute to one of the most defining moments in West Indies cricket history, the 50th anniversary of the 1975 ICC Cricket World Cup victory under the leadership of legend Sir Clive Lloyd.

CWI’s chief executive officer, Chris Dehring, said, “The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala is more than an awards gala. It is an opportunity for reflection and renewal.”

“It reminds us of the resilience of our players, the dreams of our people, and the significance of this sport to our collective Caribbean identity,” Dehring said.

“This year, as we shine a spotlight on our modern day heroes, we are also deeply honored to commemorate the legacy of the 1975 World Cup champions. That team, led by Sir Clive Lloyd, not only won the first ICC Men’s Championship trophy, they ignited a spirit of belief and regional pride that transcended the boundary ropes.”

Wavell Hinds, president and chief executive officer of WIPA, emphasized the importance of rewarding the region’s cricketers for their accomplishments.

“This occasion is one of deep respect, not only for the achievements of our players, but also for the path they walk, the values they uphold, and the legacy they are entrusted with.

“The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala is a celebration of talent, yes, but more importantly, it is a testament to the courage, character, and community behind the game,” Hinds said.

“We are immensely proud of the nominees for this year’s awards. Their efforts remind us that excellence is not simply about performance but perseverance, preparation, and purpose.”

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

Test Player of the Year: Kraigg Brathwaite, Kavem Hodge, Alzani Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Keacy Carty, Shai Hope, Alzam Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford

Men’s T20 Player of the Year: Akeal Hosein, Alzam Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell

Women’s T20 Player of the Year: Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor

West Indies Championship Player of the Year: Joshua Bishop, Kraigg Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican Regional T20 Player of the Year: Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran CG United Super50 Cup Player of the Year: Leniko Boucher, Rahkeem Cornwall, Justin. Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Marquino Mindley CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Player of the Year: Shemaine Campbelle, Kycia Knight, Nyia Latchman, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation

CWI Women’s T20 Blaze Player of the Year: Erin Deane, Shabika Gajnabi, Mandy Mangru, Plaffiana Millington, Rashada Williams