CRICKET-FINANCE-Record payouts for CWI championships.

Cricket West Indies are poised to shell out nearly quarter-million United States dollars in prize money for the Regional Super50 Cup, a record payout for the 50-overs championship.

The winners of the October 17 to November 11 tournament will snag US$100 000 while the losing finalists will take away $50 000. For the first time, the side topping the table in the league phase will earn another $50 000.

CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow.

The increased payout extends to next year's West Indies first class championship, as well as the Women's Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze, resulting in nearly US$2.5 million in prize money and bonuses being distributed over the next four years.

'The aim is to incentivise our cricketers, which will ultimately result in more intense and competitive cricket,' said CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow.

'We expect this along with other developmental programs will help to close the gap between international cricket and our regional tournaments.

'These new prize monies represent a significant increase in the reward purse for teams in regional cricket.

'We firmly believe this will act as a fillip to players' performances and their pursuit of excellence. This is part of our investment in the game and those who fly the flag on the field.'

Eight teams will contest the Super50 Cup which will be played here in Trinidad across three venues - Queen's Park Oval, the Brian Lara Stadium and the UWI Sport and Physical...