Shamar Joseph has earned a contract upgrade from West Indies in recognition of his fast-bowling masterclass that sealed a long-awaited Test victory in Australia.
Joseph is now tied to a retainer deal, similar to Cricket Australia's central contracts offered to players who are expected to feature routinely in international matches.
Joseph previously held a franchise contract and had not played international cricket before the two-match Test series against Australia, during which he took a game-defining 7-68 at the Gabba.
The 24-year-old's efforts in the second Test sealed an eight-run upset defeat of the hosts, who had not lost to West Indies at home since 1997.
Joseph joins Test teammates including Kraigg Brathwaite, Joshua Da Silva and Kemar Roach as one of 15 male West Indies players tied to international retainer contracts.
"As exhilarated as we are, it is also dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI International retainer contract," said Enoch Lewis, who chairs Cricket West Indies' development and performance committee.
"His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team's recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition.
"Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract he has earned it."
The upgrade came after Joseph's unforgettable spell earned him a Pakistan Super League deal with Peshawar Zalmi, coached by West Indies great Daren Sammy.
Rather than play in this month's white-ball series against Australia, the quick had been set to travel to the United Arab Emirates and line up for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.
Instead, he has flown home to the Caribbean to nurse the toe injury he suffered during the Gabba Test.
Sammy, who also coaches West Indies' white-ball teams, is keen to see Joseph return for future series.
"He will definitely be an all-format player," Sammy said.
"I can't wait to get my hands on him in the squad."
