West Indies players have two weeks to decide whether to accept a 25% cut to their international retainers. CWI chief executive Chris Dehring set the deadline in an interview with Cricinfo on 1 October. The squad is in India and already 2-0 down in the ODI series, after Shubman Gill’s 223 powered India to a 400-plus chase in Guwahati.
The cut comes from a money gap. Under the players’ MoU, the payment pool is 25% of CWI revenue. Weak projections from Indian TV rights have pushed it close to 35%, which Dehring said leaves CWI funding an extra $15 million.
The board has framed the two weeks as breathing room. Inside a touring dressing room, a contract deadline in the middle of a series feels like anything but.
“Given the timing, and the ongoing India series, we don’t want players to feel there is the proverbial gun to their head to sign contracts that have been offered. It’s an important and considered decision for them to make, discuss it with their agents, their lawyers, so we have given them two weeks to review.”
Chris Dehring, CWI CEO, interview with Cricinfo, 1 October 2026
The West Indian players have two weeks to decide whether to accept the proposed 25% pay cut
Exclusive interview: https://t.co/IRJCkm0In5 pic.twitter.com/CGMXWXuuhE
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) October 2, 2026
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West Indies are fighting India’s batters and bowlers. In that dressing room, the bigger fight is with their own board. Two down in a series, you need every thought on the next session, and a 25% pay cut takes that space.
“No gun to the head” sounds professional. The reality is a clock that runs through the third ODI and into the T20Is. Calls with agents and lawyers happen in hotel rooms between training and travel, and then you walk out to face India. The young player watching the seniors decide is playing for his place and his pay at the same time.
What Happens If West Indies Players Say No
“And they can decide whether or not they choose to be internationally contracted players. That would not preclude them from being selected to represent West Indies, or making themselves available to West Indies.”
Chris Dehring, CWI CEO, interview with Cricinfo, 1 October 2026
Saying no does not end an international career. Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers turned down central contracts for 2023-24 and stayed available for T20Is.
The retainer cut is one part of a wider restructure announced on 25 September.
| Change | Detail |
|---|---|
| International retainers | Cut 25%, October 2026 to September 2027 |
| Domestic contracts | Cut from 12 months to 7 (October to April) |
| Men’s Super50 | Suspended this season |
| Women’s T20 Blaze | Cancelled this season |
CWI lost US$28 million in 2024-25 and expects a US$26 million loss this cycle.
Once players respond, CWI will take the contracts to its Board for approval and announce the list. West Indies play the third ODI in New Chandigarh on 3 October, followed by five T20Is.
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