Pooran, Allen and Thomas included in West Indies contracts

Pooran was in very good form in this year's 50-over World Cup, ending up as West Indies' top run-getter. © Getty

Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen and Oshane Thomas have been included in Cricket West Indies' central contracts for the 2019-2020 season. In addition, 15 women cricketers have been handed out contracts. The CWI contracts for male cricketers are divided into all-format, red-ball and white-ball contracts. Alongside Darren Bravo and Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach have been awarded all-format contracts. Incidentally, last year, only four players were awarded all-format contracts.

Pooran, who first came into the limelight when he composed a brilliant 143 in the U-19 World Cup, was in very good form in this year's 50-over World Cup, ending up as West Indies' top run-getter. The highlight of his campaign was the 103-ball 118 against Sri Lanka. Allen, who made his first-class debut in 2016, shone brightly in the Global T20 Canada last year, finishing the tournament with a strike-rate of over 180. The all-rounder, subsequently, made his ODI debut against India and has represented in 10 ODIs so far. Thomas, the tearaway, has plucked 24 scalps for West Indies in the 50-over format.

Meanwhile, John Campbell, the southpaw, who amassed 176 runs in his maiden Test series versus England this year has been given a red-ball contract. Jomel Warrican, the left-arm spinner, has also won a red-ball contract. On the other hand, Miguel Cummins, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Sunil Ambris and Devendra Bishoo won't be a part of the contract list for the upcoming season.

Among the women cricketers, Reniece Boyce, Anisa Mohammed, Akeira Peters and the retired Merissa Aguilleira aren't part of the contract list.

"We believe the 2019-20 contract list provides us with a multi-talented group of players who can represent West Indies men and women across all formats over the contract period," interim chairman of the CWI Selection Panel, Robert Haynes, noted on Tuesday (July 9). "We believe the mix of players selected are important for the development of our teams going forward and we have looked to award contracts to players who have shown commitment and performance during the past year."

Jimmy Adams, the CWI director of cricket, observed the deals are related to players maintaining minimum fitness standards. "To assist in our drive towards a new fitness and conditioning culture, the CWI board of directors has approved our recommendation that the award of all new West Indies men's contracts this year will be conditional on each player achieving a minimum standard of fitness.

"This new policy will also be introduced to all men's regional franchise contracts and West Indies Women's contracts next year for the 2020-21 season."

CWI men's contracts:

All-format - Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope

Red-ball- Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Roston Chase

White-ball -Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Oshane Thomas, Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite

CWI women's contracts 2019-2020:

Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Natasha McLean, Karishma Ramharack