BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Mar 22 – West Indies cricket authorities are launching a comprehensive review of player protection policies after allegations resurfaced of sexual harassment involving a female cricketer during the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Though the incident reportedly occurred five years ago in Australia, recent attention has prompted a renewed response from both Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), who say they are stepping up efforts to guarantee safety and equity for all players.
In a joint announcement, CWI and WIPA reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a professional and secure environment across the sport, pledging to revisit and strengthen all current protocols surrounding player welfare.
“As stewards of the game, we recognize the fundamental importance of trust and safety within team environments,” the statement said. “We are actively reviewing our safeguarding systems to ensure that the wellbeing of every athlete remains at the forefront of our agenda.”
Both organizations acknowledged that critical steps had already been taken over recent years to bolster player security, including dedicated safeguarding protocols rolled out in 2021 specific to women’s cricket. These changes were later expanded to include equal room accommodations for both women’s and men’s teams during international travel, reflecting a broader move toward gender parity within the sport.
Other notable measures include the establishment of the Women’s Cricket Transformation Committee and the adoption of UNICEF’s Child Protection Policy. According to the joint statement, under no circumstance are minors permitted to share accommodations with adult staff or players, and mandatory training sessions are in place for all officials to uphold these standards.
The upcoming review is expected to examine gaps in existing procedures and introduce any additional safeguards necessary to ensure a culture built on respect, professionalism, and accountability.
“Our message is clear,” the organizations stated. “No athlete should ever feel unsafe in pursuit of their dreams. We are listening, we are learning, and we are committed to action.”
This latest development marks a pivotal moment for women’s cricket in the Caribbean, with stakeholders now focused on ensuring that the sport evolves into a space that is inclusive, respectful, and truly protective of its players—on and off the field.
