WICB shifts focus in High Performance Programme

WICB shifts focus in High Performance Programme

ST JOHN'S:

A significant shift has been made to the delivery of the West Indies Cricket Board's High Performance Programme.

The High Performance Programme, administered through the WIHPC, played a crucial role in developing the emerging generation of current West Indies players including new Test captain Jason Holder, opener Kraigg Brathwaite, fellow batsmen Jermaine Blackwood, Rajindra Chandrika, Shai Hope, wicketkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich, and all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite.

The HPC however, no longer operates under its previous format of registering a cohort of emerging players for a residential programme and working on a year-round basis, following a review of its structure and programme by Director of Cricket Richard Pybus.

With the establishment of six WICB Professional Cricket League franchises, the HPC is now dedicated to providing the finishing touches to elite players that emerge from regional competitions.

"We need to differentiate between the High Performance Centre and High Performance Programme," said Pybus. "The staff is still based in Barbados, but we no longer have a cohort because we are now looking to the franchises to develop the talent.

"It is now the responsibility of the territorial boards in their development programmes and the franchises with first-class cricket to ensure the player pipeline to West Indies teams is well-stocked with international standard players."

Pybus added however, there are two key steps in the player pathway that he would like to see addressed - the establishment of a second-tier, franchise tournament and a regional academy.

"The tournament will serve a number of playing and development purposes, expanding and accelerating the work the WICB is currently doing of preparing players for the highest levels of the game," he said.

"The academy would bring in the best elite emerging players to the HPC for three months in the off-season and they be groomed for international cricket.

Pybus said all activities of the HPP focus on optimal short, medium and long-term athletic preparation.