Director of Cricket at Cricket West Indies (CWI), Miles Bascombe, has underscored the significance of the West Indies Championship as a vital platform for developing first-class cricketers and strengthening the region’s cricketing legacy.
As the premier four-day competition—first held in 1965 and previously known as the Shell Shield, Red Stripe, Busta, and Carib Beer Cup—enters its 60th year, Bascombe praised its enduring impact on West Indies cricket, highlighting its role in shaping players for the international stage.
“Over the past six decades, the tournament has been the bedrock of cricket development in our region, producing legends who have graced the international stage and inspired countless fans,” Bascombe said in a CWI interview on Wednesday’s opening day of the 2025 edition.
“It continues to serve as a crucial platform in our pathway for the growth of first-class cricketers and for building resilience and refining skills for the international arena. This tournament is a celebration of the passion, talent, and legacy of West Indies cricket,” he added.
Bascombe pointed to several innovations introduced this year to enhance the competition for both players and fans, including the use of Kookaburra balls, pink balls for day/night fixtures, and the reintroduction of first-innings points in drawn matches.
“We are committed to broadening the challenges faced by our players. These measures are designed to simulate diverse conditions they will encounter on the international stage, building their adaptability and mental toughness considering the ultimate quest to improve the standard of our Test cricket,” he explained.
Additionally, he welcomed the continued participation of the West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges, which play a role in expanding opportunities for emerging talent in the region.
The eight teams will compete for the prestigious Headley/Weekes Trophy, with US $250,000 awarded to the winners and US $100,000 to the runners-up.
Bascombe also noted the tournament’s strategic timing ahead of an ‘A’ team series at home against South Africa and the start of the new World Test Championship cycle with a home series against Australia.