BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CRICKET WEST INDIES (CWI) confirmed that Shamar Joseph has seen his Windies contract upgraded to retainer following his excellent performance for the regional side in Australia.
Joseph, who prior to the series was working as a security guard, took West Indies to a historic draw against the mighty host, grabbing a career best of 7 for 68 in the second Test match that saw the Caribbean side winning by 8 runs.
In their statement, CWI announced that Joseph would move from his current Franchise Contract to a CWI International Retainer Contract.
“This decision comes in recognition of Joseph's outstanding performance and invaluable contribution to the recent historic victory against Australia on their home soil in Brisbane, marking Australia's first defeat to the West Indies since 1997.”
Since his brilliant performance, which ended West Indies almost three-decade wait for a Test match win against Australia, the Guyanese fast bowler has a number of recognition and potential offers, including one from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
However, the young man has committed to playing the longer format of the game, which is an acknowledgement that the CWI wanted to hear.
CWI Director and Chair of the Cricket Development and Performance Committee, Enoch Lewis noted that it was dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI International retainer contract.
“His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team's recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition. Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract he has earned it.”
Meanwhile, the Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said the elevation of Joseph’s contract reflects “his potential and the bright future ahead for West Indies cricket”.
Joseph return home from Australia yesterday (Feb. 1) to a hero’s welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana, where he was met by the country’s Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson; Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President, Bissoondyal Singh; Guyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach, Garvin Nedd; and Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade.
“On behalf of Guyanese I want to say how proud we are of you,” the Sports Minister told Joseph.
The young man will now rest after bowling the Caribbean side to the series-leveling win with an injured toe. He will not suit up for the Harpy Eagles in the opening two rounds of the Regional 4-day Competition which is scheduled to bowl off in St. Kitts and Nevis next week.
