Dear CWI Part 3 | PowettPlay Podcast

On Part 3 of the Dear CWI series from the PowettPlay Podcast, hosts Jordan Shannon and Kieran Powell conclude their in-depth discussion on the financial and operational challenges facing Cricket West Indies (CWI), focusing on spending priorities, commercial opportunities and what they believe must change to create a more sustainable future for Caribbean cricket.

The episode examines questions around how CWI allocates its resources, including significant investment in the Coolidge Cricket Ground and High Performance Centre, staff travel and other operational expenditure. Jordan and Kieran discuss whether more of the available funding should instead be directed towards the fundamentals of the game - competitive regional cricket, player development, improved facilities across the Caribbean and creating more opportunities for cricketers to play.

A major theme throughout Dear CWI Part 3 is the difference between cutting costs and spending more effectively. After discussing reduced fixtures and player contracts in the first two parts of the series, the hosts ask whether savings could be found elsewhere without directly affecting the players and competitions that form the foundation of West Indies cricket.

The conversation also explores the commercial potential of North American cricket, particularly as the sport continues to grow in markets such as the United States and Canada. Jordan and Kieran consider whether Cricket West Indies could take greater advantage of the huge Caribbean diaspora and expanding interest in cricket across North America through new events, sponsorship opportunities, broadcasting arrangements and strategic partnerships.

Alternative revenue streams for Cricket West Indies are another key talking point. The hosts discuss whether partnerships involving influential figures from the global game, commercial organisations and franchise cricket could help generate new income without weakening the traditional West Indies pathway.

Internally, Jordan and Kieran also consider potential changes to player compensation and travel structures, asking whether contracts could be designed differently to provide players with greater security while still allowing CWI to manage expenditure. Travel costs, accommodation, staffing structures and the wider logistics surrounding international and regional cricket are also examined as areas where efficiencies may be possible.

Throughout the discussion, the message remains consistent: financial sustainability ca