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Chief executive officer of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Michael Muirhead, says the recent increase in prize money for its ongoing first-class championship, is one a slew of initiatives that the board is looking at to expand the game.

The prize increase, which stands at a whopping 300 per cent in comparison to last season, will now see the six regional territorial franchise teams battling for a combined total of US$120,000.

The total prize for the inaugural staging of the tournament was just over US$30,000.

"We really want our first-class franchise league to be our main regional tournament, and as we go along, intend to implement other initiatives," said Muirhead.

The new payment structure will see the top team taking home US$15,000, in addition to the Headley-Weekes trophy, and, second place collecting US$5,500.

As for individual accolades, US$1,500 will be awarded for players making most runs, taking most wickets, effecting most dismissals, and taking most catches.

awards

The monetary entitlements will accompany the Sir Viv Richards Award (most runs); Courtney Walsh Award (wickets); Deryck Murray Award (dismissals) and Clive Lloyd Award (catches).

There will also cash incentives for the top all-rounder and the most promising fast bowler with the winners capturing the Malcolm Marshall Award and US$1,500, and the Sir Andy Roberts Award, and $1,000, respectively.

Teams will also receive US$3,000 for a win, and each player-of-the-match will get US$150.

"We anticipate that the cash incentives will motivate players, as well as test their cricketing skills," Muirhead said.

Meanwhile, Muirhead also said there were plans to raise the profile of the tournament.

"The board has been working on a number of things, including sponsorships, and the televising of the tournament," he said.

"We want to broaden its appeal, as well as its visibility in the public domain," he said.