Warne, Brabazon, selectors exit in CWI overhaul

Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Director, Dominic Warne
Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Director, Dominic Warne

(CMC) – Cricket West Indies yesterday confirmed key high-profile departures, headlined by the exit of Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Director Dominic Warne. The Englishman, who joined the regional governing body six years ago, will be joined by media and public relations manager Philip Spooner, who leaves the organisation after 16 years.

Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, said their contracts had “reached their natural conclusion” as part of a “thorough appraisal process.”

“As an organisation, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture of continuous evolution and improvement,” Grave said.

“We are steadfast in our pursuit to maximise our human capital, engage the best talent, and foster an environment where excellence thrives throughout the entire system.” He continued: “We have concluded a thorough appraisal process, resulting in the realignment of the responsibilities of some of our team members.

“As part of this process, while some contracts have reached a natural conclusion, including those of Dominic Warne, Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Director, and Philip Spooner, Media and Public Relations Manager, both individuals will continue supporting us in the extremely important year ahead, in new roles working directly on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June. “We appreciate their contributions and dedication to our organisation and remain committed to their involvement in this significant period.”

Selectors Roland Butcher, Travis Dowlin, and Robert Haynes will also depart their roles after CWI opted not to renew their contracts, which ended on December 31, while Coach Development Manager Chris Brabazon has also returned to his native Australia after four years in the role. CWI said the selection changes were part of an ongoing assessment of the selection system, which formed part of the new four-year strategic plan beginning this year. The vacant selection positions will not be filled until the assessment is completed, CWI said.

“We are dedicated to refining our selection processes to better serve the needs of West Indies cricket. The ongoing evaluation and restructuring efforts are integral steps towards achieving this goal,” said Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe. “The review has been planned to coincide with the end of the contracts of some selectors to enable a seamless transition. “CWI expresses its gratitude to Roland Butcher, Travis Dowlin, and Robert Haynes, whose tenures ended on December 31, 2023.

“Their dedication has been laudable, and CWI acknowledges their significant role with gratitude.”

Bascombe said Brabazon had made a “tremendous contribution” during his tenure with CWI.

“We are grateful for the tremendous contribution that Chris has made over the past four years, which has seen the introduction of a comprehensive range of coaching courses and accreditations, resulting in over 1,000 newly certified coaches in the region.”

CWI said the process to replace Warne and Brabazon would begin “imminently.”