CWI prepares young women for demands of international cricket

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expanded its development programme for 22 emerging female cricketers by combining on-field training with sessions on mental strength, leadership, media awareness and professional conduct.
The two-week High-Performance Camp in Antigua followed the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship and forms part of CWI’s preparations for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2027.
Along with technical, tactical and physical training, the players were introduced to the psychological demands of elite sport. The sessions covered confidence, resilience, focus, mindset and coping with pressure as they advance through their careers.
The young cricketers also received practical media training. Through interactive exercises and simulated interviews, they learnt how to communicate clearly, respond to difficult questions and present themselves confidently as representatives of West Indies cricket.

CWI High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill said developing the players away from the field was an important part of preparing them for the next level.
“Our responsibility is not only to develop better cricketers, but to help develop young people who understand what it means to operate in a high-performance environment and represent West Indies cricket,” Gill said.
He added that the sessions were intended to give the players the confidence, awareness and other tools required to manage the transition towards international competition.
The squad also participated in a meeting with CWI’s management and staff, led by Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring. The session allowed officials to hear about the players’ experiences and explain the organisation’s plans for women’s cricket.
Dehring said the interaction helped CWI to better understand the support needed by the players, while reassuring them that their development remains a priority.
He also discussed plans for a high-performance centre and other facilities expected to be established across the region.
According to Dehring, the enthusiasm and determination shown by the young women, despite difficult domestic circumstances, were inspiring. He reaffirmed CWI’s commitment to providing the facilities, support and development pathways needed for them to compete at the highest level.
The camp was designed not only to prepare the players for the 2027 World Cup but also to help them understand their potential role in the future of West Indies cricket.