WEST Indies Players Association (WIPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Wavell Hinds said a shift in focus of the regional High Performance Centre (HPC) should not be detrimental to West Indies cricket.

The Sagicor-supported HPC, which formerly guided the development of young up-and-coming players in batches in an almost year-round format, underwent restructuring, confirmed director of cricket Richard Pybus earlier this year.

It is understood that the change was largely influenced by funding constraints.

Hinds said the PCL can help to fill the breach.

“We are aware that the High Performance Centre is not as it used to be. It certainly helped in the development of so many of our players. However, we are of the view that the Professional Cricket League as it is now will certainly institute the level of professionalism that is needed.

“It will allow the coaches of these franchises to do a lot of technical work with players and help to foster development to make sure that West Indies cricket can grow in the way that it should,” said the WIPA boss.

The professional system, which started last season, allows a total of 90 players across the six franchises to be contracted for a year where they are given access to consistent training. An additional 15 regional team players are contracted on a yearly basis.

West Indies players, the Test batsman Kraigg Brathwaite, and left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cotterell, are two prominent young players who have come through the HPC set-up.

— Sanjay Myers