Holder: West Indies Lacks Strategy for Grooming Successors to Pollard, Narine, and Russell

In the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) off-season, a flurry of player transfers reshaped team lineups, notably including Jason Holder’s move to St Kitts and Nevis Patriots after years with the Barbados franchises, previously known as the Barbados Tridents and Barbados Royals.

The Patriots experienced a mixed season, winning four out of ten matches, but Holder’s personal performance was a triumph. As the team’s second-highest run-scorer and wicket-taker, Holder shone during the final group stage match, securing a one-run victory over his former team, the Barbados Royals, with an impressive all-around performance.

Reflecting on the season, Holder expressed a pragmatic outlook, stating, “Although the team results weren’t as hoped, I’ve gained a lot from this experience with the new franchise. I enjoy being part of this group, and I see a clear path for developing the franchise further in the future.”

Assuming the captaincy was another challenge Holder embraced this season. Having been named Windies skipper at a young age, he remains focused on making the best decisions for his team while fulfilling his role as a player.

In 2025, the CPL also launched the Breakout League for budding players, allowing teams to field a fifth overseas player under certain conditions. Holder appreciates the platform provided to emerging talent but insists that ongoing development efforts must extend beyond the CPL.

He emphasized the need for training tailored to T20 cricket to foster new talent of the caliber of Sunil Narine or Kieron Pollard. Recognizing a lack of development for the next generation of West Indies cricketers, Holder envisions Caribbean cricket fostering environments that encourage growth and skill enhancement.

Holder also addressed the challenges posed by the rise of global franchise cricket. With young players like Nicholas Pooran retiring early, Holder sees a growing preference for T20 leagues over traditional formats. Holder himself is now navigating his freelance career across various domestic leagues without the security of a central contract.

Despite these challenges, Holder remains committed to representing the West Indies, continuing to contribute in T20I series against teams like England and Australia and maintaining readiness for Test cricket opportunities.

The interview was organized by FanCode, the tournament’s official broadcaster in India.

Published on September 15, 2025