Cricket West Indies (CWI) has launched a powerful new mentorship initiative aimed at connecting its emerging talent with the iconic legacy of Caribbean cricket. As part of this program, legendary fast bowlers Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh are actively mentoring players from the West Indies Academy at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua.
The initiative kicked off on May 21 with a Legacy Discussion led by Ambrose, who shared personal insights and stories of West Indies cricket’s proud history and enduring spirit. The session served as a reminder to young Academy players of the legacy they represent and the standard they are expected to uphold.
Legend-led mentorship calendar
- May 26–27: Sir Curtly Ambrose will conduct red-ball, scenario-based training focused on tactical execution, match awareness, and mindset development.
- June 2–3: Courtney Walsh, in his role as Bowling Mentor, will lead a two-day practice match, offering technical and experiential guidance to the Academy players.
“The Legacy of our Legends must be embraced and utilized to help shape our future success,” said CWI in a statement about the initiative.
Leadership commentary: Pride, values, and purpose
Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket at CWI, emphasized the program’s impact on developing both the technical and cultural identity of the next generation of West Indian cricketers:
“There is no greater inspiration for our young players than learning directly from the legends whose names are etched in the history of West Indies cricket,” said Bascombe. “This initiative not only enhances their technical skills but also helps instil the values, pride, and passion that define what it means to wear the maroon.”
Academy Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe highlighted the importance of historical context in player development:
“Understanding the history of West Indies cricket is just as important as developing technical and tactical skills,” Subasinghe said. “Having legends like Ambrose and Walsh share their journeys brings a depth of learning that no textbook can offer.”
West Indies Academy to face Sri Lanka Academy
The mentorship program is part of CWI’s broader player development strategy, aimed at ensuring young cricketers receive world-class support both on and off the field. In two weeks, the West Indies Academy will take on their Sri Lanka counterparts in a bilateral series comprising two four-day first-class matches and three 50-over games, hosted at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
This landmark initiative blends West Indies cricket’s historic excellence with its modern-day ambitions, aiming to empower a new generation to carry the maroon legacy forward.
