Defending Champions Red Force Lead Star-Studded Semifinal Line-Up In CG United Super50 Cup

 The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 CG United Super50 Cup, as four teams emerged from a rain-affected but highly competitive round-robin phase.

Thrilling encounters lie ahead as table-toppers Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Barbados Pride vie for regional limited-overs glory.

Defending champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force demonstrated why they remain the team to beat, with five wins from their seven matches, building their campaign on exceptional spin bowling and consistent batting performances.

Khary Pierre, who took an exceptional 4-8 in their opening match, Yannic Cariah, and Bryan Charles have proven to be effective bowlers, while the batting partnership of Kjorn Ottley and Amir Jangoo flourished. Their recent win over Barbados Pride, featuring Ottley's unbeaten 112, sent a strong message to the rest of the semifinal line-up.

Jamaica Scorpions recovered from an opening loss to Barbados Pride to secure second place. Carlos Brown's maiden List A century (121) against Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) marked a turning point in their campaign, while Kirk McKenzie's consistent performances and Marquino Mindley's penetrative bowling have provided crucial contributions.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes have been one of the tournament's most entertaining sides, largely due to Justin Greaves' historic achievement of three consecutive List A centuries (111*, 112, 151*). Their bowling attack, typified by Rahkeem Cornwall's two six-wicket hauls, with the most recent his 6/20 against CCC, provided a perfect complement to their batting strength. Despite three losses, their bonus points collection showed their ability to dominate matches at important times.

Barbados Pride earned their semifinal berth with their ability to win close encounters. Kevin Wickham's century against the Hurricanes and Demetrius Richards' match-winning 65* versus Guyana highlighted their batting depth while captain Kyle Mayers' last-over heroics against the Volcanoes exemplified their fighting spirit.

Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe commented:

This year’s CG United Super50 has already been an improvement over previous years. Teams have been more responsive to the bonus points system and it showed in the quality of the performances. There have been a number of stellar performances and I anticipate a few more as we get to the climax over the next few days. Cricket fans in Trinidad should capitalise on the action and show support in person, as the teams bring this year’s tournament to a close.
The semifinals will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on Wednesday 20 November and Thursday 21 November, with the final scheduled for Saturday 23 November at the same venue and time.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will oppose Barbados Pride at 1pm on Wednesday 20 November, while the Jamaica Scorpions take on Leeward Islands Hurricanes at 1pm on Thursday 21st November.

Teams will be competing for increased prize money with the winners set to receive US$100 000, while the runners-up will take home US$50 000. Both semi-finalists will be rewarded US$25 000 each.

Fans will be able to watch the semifinals and final live on ESPN Caribbean. Overseas fans can catch the action on ESPN+ (USA), BT Sport (UK & Ireland), and FanCode (India).

Tickets are available for all matches at both Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Semi-final tickets cost US$8 / TT$50, with final tickets at US$15 / TT$100. Tickets are also available online at www.tickets.windiescricket.com.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a landmark six-year media rights agreement with ESPN Caribbean, covering the period from 2024 to 2030. This deal grants ESPN Caribbean exclusive broadcast and digital rights to all West Indies Men's and Women's home international matches, as well as the CG United Super50 Cup for both men's and women's regional tournaments. This partnership solidifies ESPN Caribbean's position as the premier destination for West Indies cricket in the region.

 Lynford Inverary, CWI's Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the significance of this agreement, saying, "This new six-year agreement with ESPN Caribbean marks the largest media rights deal CWI has ever secured in the Caribbean. It not only reflects the growing commercial value of West Indies cricket but also ensures that fans across the region will continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of our international series and CG United Super50 Cups. ESPN is a longstanding partner, and this new deal will help CWI meet its long-term financial goals, while expanding the visibility and engagement of West Indies cricket within the region."

 Scott McGlone, Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration:

 "We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship with CWI with this groundbreaking new deal. ESPN seeks to serve local sports fans anytime, anywhere. What better way to accomplish this goal than a long-term partnership with CWI, that represents such a rich sporting history both locally and internationally."

 Under this agreement, CWI retains the right to license post-match highlights on free-to-air and digital platforms throughout the region, ensuring fans have access to additional content during each series and tournament. This partnership, brokered with the assistance of CWI’s media consultants, Pitch International, aligns with CWI’s strategic objectives to enhance the global visibility of West Indies cricket and deepen fan engagement across the Caribbean.

Antigua and West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose has been honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, in recognition of his immense contributions to the sport and the cultural fabric of the Caribbean. This prestigious accolade has drawn widespread praise, including from Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, who congratulated the former fast bowling great for his achievements on and off the field.

Sir Curtly Ambrose, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, was known for his towering presence and unmatched skill, taking over 400 Test wickets during an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade. His impact on West Indies cricket and the global game is indisputable, and this latest honour from UWI further cements his legacy as a pillar of sporting excellence in the Caribbean.

CWI President Dr. Shallow commended Sir Curtly’s influence, stating, "On behalf of the entire West Indies cricket family, I extend our warmest congratulations to Sir Curtly Ambrose on this remarkable achievement. This Honorary Doctorate of Laws is a fitting tribute to his outstanding career and his broader contributions to society. Sir Curtly has been an ambassador for our region, both on the global stage of cricket and in his personal endeavours, demonstrating the best of West Indian pride, discipline, and passion."

The honorary doctorate also serves as recognition of the significant role sports, and cricket in particular, play in shaping the social and cultural identity of the Caribbean. Sir Curtly’s rise from a young Antiguan cricketer to a global sporting icon is a testament to the region’s commitment to nurturing excellence and overcoming boundaries.

Dr. Shallow added, "Sir Curtly Ambrose continues to be an inspiration not only to aspiring cricketers but to all of us across the Caribbean. We celebrate this well-deserved honour and remain forever grateful for his indelible contributions to West Indies cricket and our region’s heritage."

Cricket West Indies, along with fans and well-wishers throughout the Caribbean, celebrated Sir Curtly’s latest achievement and reaffirmed their admiration for his influence, which extends far beyond the pitch. Sir Curtly remains a guiding force and mentor for the next generation of cricketers and a symbol of Caribbean excellence in the global sporting arena.

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow has extended congratulations to the Saint Lucia Kings for their remarkable achievement in securing their inaugural Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title. 

In a thrilling final at the National Stadium in Providence, Guyana on Sunday, the Kings defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors by six wickets to claim their first-ever title at the third attempt.

“The Saint Lucia Kings have etched their names in history, and I commend their performance throughout the tournament which was an exhibition of relentless hard work and unmatched determination,” Dr. Shallow said in his commendation.

“With Aaron Jones and Roston Chase playing crucial innings at a decisive moment and Faf Du Plessis’ outstanding leadership, the Kings demonstrated the resilience and skill needed to succeed. This victory also reflects the tireless efforts of Head Coach Daren Sammy, whose knowledge and belief in the team have shaped their journey to this moment,” he added.

President Shallow further extended congratulations to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the people of Saint Lucia, who are in the midst of a period of remarkable national pride.

“This victory comes at an exciting time for Saint Lucia, which recently celebrated the homecoming of their Olympic gold medalist and the fastest woman in the world, Julien Alfred. Prime Minister Pierre and his nation have much to celebrate, and Saint Lucia’s sporting achievements are a source of pride for the entire Caribbean.”

The CWI President noted the impact of the emerging players in the tournament and highlighted the wealth of talent the Caribbean continues to produce.

“This edition of CPL stands out with the remarkable impact of the West Indies emerging stars. It has been a historic year with a record number of appearances by Emerging Players. With over 50 appearances and some impressive performances, the talent pool in the Caribbean remains exciting and surely augurs well for the future of West Indies cricket.”

Saint Lucia Kings featured former West Indies Under 19 captain Ackeem Auguste. Other impressive emerging players in the 2024 Republic Bank CPL were Shaqkere Parris for Trinbago Knight Riders and Jewel Andrew for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons who has just been selected for the West Indies Men's ODI team to tour Sri Lanka.  

Cricket West Indies remains committed to the partnership with the Caribbean Premier League which continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of regional cricket.  

Cricket West Indies (CWI) honoured two of its longstanding board directors for their exemplary service at a prestigious reception held in Barbados recently.

The ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of CWI Directors, Enoch Lewis, President of Leeward Island Cricket Board, and Conde Riley, President of Barbados Cricket Association.

Lewis has dedicated over 18 years to CWI, while Riley has committed more than 15 years to the organization. Both men have played pivotal roles in the development and success of West Indies cricket. The awards were presented by CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow and vice president Azim Bassarath.

Shallow was full of praise for the awardees.

"Mr. Lewis and Mr. Riley have shown unwavering dedication and leadership within Cricket West Indies. Their contributions have been instrumental across regional cricket from junior to senior levels, and we are honored to recognize their service,” Shallow said.

“The task of service in public life is not an easy one; it requires immense commitment, sacrifices, integrity, and a passion for making a difference. Directors Lewis and Riley have embodied these qualities throughout their tenure,” he added.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne, and Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Greg Barclay, Chairman of the International Cricket Council, was also in attendance.

Coralisle Group (CG) Limited has once again partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a big way, as both move to enhance cricket coaching for Bermuda’s youth and local coaches.

This initiative, being undertaken in tandem with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), and Bermuda Government’s Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, is not only aimed at fostering talent and passion for the sport, but also leverages CG’s longstanding relationship with CWI to bring advanced coaching and support to Bermuda.

Through this collaboration, Bermuda’s young cricketers will benefit from expert coaching and guidance, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel. The initiative will culminate on July 25, at the Annual Summer Day Camp Mini Cup Classic, where youth cricket campers will showcase their talents on a level playing field in an event sponsored this year by CG.

Two distinguished CWI coaches, Ryan Austin and Britney Cooper, will lead the coaching sessions.

Austin, an Assistant Coach and Specialist Spin Bowling Coach, has a wealth of experience, having completed the CWI Level Three Coaching qualification in 2023. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the senior West Indies women's team and previously worked with the West Indies male and female Under-19 and Academy Programmes.

Meanwhile, Cooper represented West Indies women’s team in 125 matches across a 12-year career and was a key player in their 2016 T20 World Cup-triumph. Over the past year, she has contributed to the CWI HP pathway, assisting the female Under-19 and Academy/Emerging Player programmes.

Naz Farrow, CEO of CG, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.

“Our goal has always been to leverage our relationship with Cricket West Indies to support and develop cricket in Bermuda, our home country. We aim to instil a deep love and excitement for our national game among the youth, fostering a lifelong passion for cricket,” Farrow said.

“The support given to this year’s Government Summer Day Campers and the CG-sponsored Mini Cup match is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Additionally, the opportunity for Bermuda Cricket Board's coaches and players to interact with CWI coaches is a fantastic bonus, and we look forward to the positive impact of this initiative,” she added.

Bermuda Cricket Board’s Calvin Blankendal also expressed excitement.

“We are grateful to CG for facilitating the arrival of these advanced coaches to Bermuda. Their expertise will be invaluable to our local players and coaches, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Bermuda cricket for years to come,” he noted.

For Senator Owen K. Darrell JP, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the initiative will go a far way in leaving a lasting impact.

“We are thrilled that CG has taken the initiative to foster a love for cricket among our youth. The collaboration with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the expert coaching from CWI will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our local campers and coaches. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and skills that this programme will inspire,” Darrell said.

Finally, CG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and developing Bermuda’s cricketing talent through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cricket among Bermuda’s youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed on and off the field.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Vice President and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath, has dismissed the legal action taken by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) against CWI as laughable, especially given their organization's recent history with alleged questionable elections at the territorial board level.

On April 20, the GCB announced it was commencing legal proceedings against CWI, continuing its year-long allegation that Bassarath was unlawfully elected vice president.

This move comes despite CWI's statement on October 7, 2023, where they addressed the GCB's concerns and confirmed that the election was conducted in accordance with the organization's Memorandum and Articles of Association.

According to CWI's statement: “The Board of Cricket West Indies has thoroughly examined the matters raised by the Guyana Cricket Board and wishes to assure all stakeholders that the election for the post of Vice President was conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the organization. CWI recognizes the importance of transparency and fairness in all its operations, including elections, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity.”

Speaking after last weekend’s conclusion of the two-day CARICOM cricket symposium in Trinidad, Bassarath, in an interview with Sportsmax.tv, responded to the GCB's legal action.

“As long as I’ve been a CWI director, unfortunately, the Guyana Cricket Board has been the one and only shareholder whose elections were accused of being unlawful. Guyana’s board is the only instance where CWI was forced to stop international cricket from being played in a territory due to government intervention, which went against both CWI and ICC positions against government intervention in sport. Therefore, I genuinely find it laughable what Mr. (Bisoondial) Singh is doing, considering the GCB’s history.”

Sportsmax.tv has obtained the original letter sent by the GCB to CWI under then-President Ricky Skerritt ahead of the March 25, 2023 election, which contradicts the assertion in the GCB’s April 20, 2024, letter that one of the reasons for withdrawing its nomination of Bassarath was due to misconduct allegations against the TTCB.

In the letter, the GCB only cited Article 92 of the CWI Articles of Association.

Bassarath also questioned Singh's administration of affairs in Guyana: “Mr. Singh joined CWI in 2021, and I have no clear information as CWI vice president about when local cricket elections are due in Guyana, unlike other territorial boards. This is concerning, considering the history of Mr. Singh’s predecessor at the GCB. Similar to me, he created all sorts of alleged unlawful acts to remove former Guyana director Hilbert Foster, which surprised many on the CWI board. Mr. Foster, from the area of Berbice, as we are seeing around the Caribbean with the young Shamar Joseph, is producing many talented West Indies players.”

Bassarath concluded by urging his Guyanese counterpart to follow the lead of Guyanese head of state Dr. Irfan Ali, who is taking productive actions to benefit Caribbean cricket.

“We saw the eye-catching presentation by Guyana's Head of State Dr. Ali at the symposium, and we already see what he has been doing in recent years with the CPL cricket carnival. So, just like our Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, the honorable Keith Rowley, who organized this fantastic symposium, Singh should spend more time seeking to create cricket-focused initiatives for the benefit of Guyana and West Indies cricket.”

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), eagerly anticipates the forthcoming Regional Conference on West Indies Cricket, slated for 25-26 April 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago. As stakeholders convene under the banner "Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket - A Symposium for Strategic Collaboration and Innovation," Dr. Shallow acknowledges the significant strides taken by CWI as it navigates a new four-year cycle and strategic plan.

"While we have made considerable progress within CWI, setting the stage for a brighter future for West Indies Cricket, it's essential to recognize that there is no quick fix addressing the complex challenges facing our sport," remarked Dr. Shallow. "It requires sustained effort and participation from all stakeholders involved."

Dr. Shallow emphasizes the need for shared responsibility in driving positive change within the cricketing community. "While CWI shoulders a significant portion of the responsibility, we understand that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in isolation," he stated.

"It is crucial for all stakeholders, including CARICOM Governments, territorial boards, and other relevant entities, to actively engage and contribute to the advancement of West Indies Cricket."

The upcoming conference provides a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at addressing critical areas such as infrastructure development, investment in grassroots, youth, and women's cricket, and other aspects of sports development. Dr. Shallow expresses optimism about the potential outcomes of the conference, stating, "Together, we can forge sustainable solutions that will propel West Indies Cricket to new heights of success and prominence on the global stage.

"We remain committed to building upon the progress we've made and charting a course towards a vibrant and prosperous future for West Indies Cricket," affirmed Dr. Shallow. "Through collective action and shared responsibility, we are confident in our ability to overcome challenges and realize our vision for the sport."

The CWI delegation at the conference will be led by President Dr. Kishore Shallow along with Vice President Azim Bassarath, CWI Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Cricket, Business Planning Manager, and Head Coaches Andre Coley and Daren Sammy. Additionally, other key members of the CWI organization will also be present to contribute to the discussions and deliberations.

The conference will be live-streamed on Cricket West Indies' official YouTube channel.

 Dario Barthley and Naasira Mohammed have resigned their positions in Cricket West Indies Media Department, Barbadian broadcaster Andrew Mason is reporting. The news follows on the heels of the departure of long-time media and public relations manager Phillip Spooner in January.

According to Mason, Barthley has already obtained a new job in Bermuda.

Sportsmax.TV has independently confirmed both resignations.

The news of the resignations comes as a shock with the ICC Cricket World Cup set to begin on June 1, 2024.

Sportsmax.TV will have further updates on this developing story.

In a scathing critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and major cricketing nations, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave has accused the global cricketing body of deliberately obstructing the resurgence of West Indies cricket by maintaining an unjust economic model.

Grave's outburst follows the West Indies' impressive performance in their tour of Australia from January to February 2024. The underdog West Indies, led by captain Kraig Brathwaite, secured a historic Test series draw against Australia, marking their first Test victory on Australian soil in 27 years.

In a podcast with Daniel Gallan, Grave expressed his frustration, stating, "I think everyone is a bit sick of the phrase - world cricket needs a strong West Indies - when we definitely feel that world cricket is doing everything they can at almost every level to make sure that West Indies Cricket are never strong again."

One of Grave's primary grievances is with the ICC's revenue share model, which he deems flawed. Grave alleged that West Indies' share of the revenue has dwindled from seven to five percent under the current model, despite headlines suggesting an increase in financial support.

"I think that's the borne of the frustration of that as Ian Bishop says in his own words that this is a patronising tone. If you really want a strong West Indies Cricket, it would actually not be that hard to do a bit more. ICC are giving us more money in headlines but our percentage of revenue has gone down from seven to five percent, which we struggle to understand," Grave explained.

The CWI CEO questioned the cricketing community's commitment to fairness, stating, "If we all just are looking after ourselves then are we really acting as a community? Are we putting the best product on the field?"

This is not the first time Grave has criticized the ICC. In January, he had raised concerns about the economic disparity, claiming that the West Indies made no money from the men's and women's tour of Australia series, with the majority of revenue going to Cricket Australia.

"The revenue-share model is completely broken," Grave stated. "If we really want to operate as a cricketing community, we are only as strong as the weakest team, and we've got to change the mindset of bilateral cricket.

 "CWI has spent over USD$ 2 million sending teams to Australia in the last four months, and whilst CA have received all the economic benefits from those series, we've seen zero dollars back. Is that really fair, reasonable, and sustainable?"

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been lauded by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for being named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month for January, earning recognition for his outstanding performances in the two-match drawn Test Series against Australia.

Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, extended congratulations to the Guyanese player on receiving the prestigious award, stating, "On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I wish to congratulate Shamar on this award, may it be the first of many in what is hopefully a long career in maroon."

The recognition from the ICC reflects Joseph's significant contributions to West Indies cricket and marks a memorable moment in his promising career

In the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, Joseph showcased his prowess with both bat and ball. He contributed a valuable 36 runs off 41 balls, including three fours and a six, facing the formidable Australian pace attack. Moreover, he impressed with a remarkable five-wicket haul, making a stunning debut in Test cricket. Notably, Joseph dismissed Steve Smith with his very first delivery and went on to claim the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.

Undeterred by challenges, Joseph continued to make an impact in the second Test at the Gabba, Brisbane. Despite facing an injury setback, being hit flush in the toe by a yorker from Mitchell Starc, Joseph displayed resilience. In the first innings, he secured one wicket and retired hurt at the end of Day 3.

However, Day 4 saw a historic performance from Joseph. Despite entering the field late due to a uniform issue, he bowled an incredible spell of 11.5 overs, taking seven wickets. Joseph's stellar performance led West Indies to their first Test match victory in Australia in 27 years, ultimately tying the series.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its centrally contracted players for the upcoming 2023 to 2024 season. The contracts, a mark of distinction and recognition, were based on outstanding performances during the rigorous 2022 to 2023 evaluation period, with recommendations from Selection Panels and the final nod from the Board of Directors.

However, the announcement came with a twist, as three big-name players from the Men's team—Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Nicholas Pooran—chose to decline central contracts. Despite this decision, the trio confirmed their commitment to represent the West Indies in T20 Internationals throughout the contract year.

For the West Indies Men, the list boasted four new faces, each carrying the dreams and aspirations of a cricket-loving nation. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, right-handed batter Keacy Carty, and left-handed batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, all earned their places in the prestigious list of centrally contracted players. Their inclusion signified not only individual achievement but also a commitment to the collective goal of steering West Indies cricket to new heights.

The Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes, the Lead Selector for the West Indies Men's team, shared his thoughts on the selections, "With a busy year of cricket ahead, in all three formats, we have held several detailed discussions with the two Head Coaches on the brand of cricket they want to play. We are very clear in the direction we want to go. The players who have been offered contracts are among those who we expect to feature, as we look to build towards challenging for the top spot when we host and compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on home soil."

Dr. Haynes emphasized the significance of the upcoming challenges, including Test Series in Australia and England and the preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in the 50-over format.

On the women's front, two all-rounders, Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond, received their first central contracts. Ann Browne-John, the Lead Selector for the West Indies Women's team, expressed the selectors' confidence in the chosen players. "The selectors have identified a cadre of players who we believe can drive West Indies cricket forward. We have placed emphasis on the development of the younger players, which we view as pivotal in the pathway to the international level."

Contracted players (West Indies Men)  Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite,  Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope,  Akeal Hosein,  Alzarri Joseph,  Brandon King,  Gudakesh Motie,  Rovman Powell,  Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales,  Romario Shepherd

West Indies Women:  Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are in sync with initiatives that will benefit cricket stakeholders in the Caribbean.

On 25 October 2023, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honorable Gaston Browne, held an audience with CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow at the Office of the Prime Minister in St John’s. Also in attendance were Honorable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Sports, Ricky Skerritt, Chairman of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) Board and former CWI President, and Nelecia Yeates, CCG General Manager.

The meeting focused on Antigua and Barbuda's continued role in cricket development, particularly in grassroots cricket, infrastructure improvement, and hosting international cricket. In addition, an update of the master development plan for CCG was presented to the government officials, with both parties identifying opportunities for collaboration to transform the existing cricket facility into one of the best in the world.

CWI President, Dr. Shallow was upbeat about the partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda government. He said: “Prime Minister Browne and his Government have been valuable friends of West Indies cricket. In recent years, their cooperation in supporting CWI in the acquisition of Coolidge Cricket Ground as our home of cricket has been truly appreciated. It gives us great confidence to have them as a key partner as we embark on this next development phase.”

President Shallow also commented on his predecessor’s involvement as CCG Board’s Chairman. He remarked: “The appointment of Ricky Skerritt as Chairman of CCG augurs well for the continuation and further investment in the potential of CCG. No doubt, his wealth of experience and institutional knowledge offer tremendous value to completing this next phase of the CCG project.”

The CCG Board met on 24 October, 2023, at the CWI headquarters at Coolidge. The updated design for the facility, inclusive of a state-of-the-art training facility, was presented by the designers. In addition to cricket, a significant component of the new development comprises commercial establishments.

Prime Minister Browne was also pleased about the upcoming international fixtures for Antigua & Barbuda. In December, the first two matches of the impending CG United One-Day International Series between West Indies and England will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The country was also named among the seven Caribbean host countries for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Antigua has been the headquarters of CWI (formerly West Indies Cricket Board of Control and West Indies Cricket Board) for nearly three decades.

Senior counsel and former advisor to the West Indies Cricket Board, Anthony Astaphan, has raised concerns about the legality of Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow’s recent reprimand of Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) boss, Conde Riley.

In a letter dated October 5 and signed by Dr Shallow, it was alleged that Riley, a seasoned cricket administrator, exhibited recent deeply unsatisfactory conduct in his roles as a director of CWI and chairman of a CWI Committee.

While CWI did not take any action against Riley, it cautioned him of the possibility of future repercussions if his behavior was not addressed.

However, in the absence of a CWI Ethics Committee, Astaphan, a prominent legal figure in the Caribbean, believes that it is challenging to definitively determine the situation between Riley and Dr Shallow.

He contends that it raises more questions than answers regarding Dr Shallow’s legal authority to reprimand Riley without due process.

“I think some questions need to be asked and some questions need to be answered. For example, was there a board of director’s decision in relation to the letter that the chairman or the president sent to Mr. Riley authorizing it?” Astaphan asked while appearing on the popular Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday night.

Astaphan cited several similar instances, including the removal of attorney-at-Law, Calvin Hope, as BCA’s director on the CWI Board last year during Ricky Skerritt’s tenure as the head of the regional cricket body.

“The director, who at the time faced the prospect of an ethics complaint made by the then president (Skerritt), is that the rules seem to require a complaint to be made to the Ethics Committee first and for the director against whom the complaint is made to be given the opportunity to be heard before an independent and impartial board, which is the Ethics Committee,” Astaphan pointed out.

Astaphan, who served as CWI’s advisor on recommendations for the CARICOM final report on cricket governance in 2015, suggested that the absence of an Ethics Committee raises serious procedural questions about whether there was due process, or if the letter was the result of an impartial and independent action.

“Putting all of that aside, whether or not Mr. Riley was given the opportunity to be heard by the chairman, I think that’s an empty question because I do not think the chairman has the authority to act on his own in these matters. I mentioned earlier that I think the only decision the board could have made or could make was to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee so it could be dealt with in accordance with due process, without impartiality and the possibility at least of the appearance of bias,” the attorney-at-law added.

Astaphan stressed that those issues need to be addressed to ascertain whether there were procedural irregularities, an abuse of authority, or the potential for bias in the Dr Shallow’s letter, particularly if Riley was not granted the opportunity to present his side.

The conflict between Riley and Dr. Shallow became public during their appearance on the Mason & Guest radio show where they clashed over the hosting of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.

At the time Dr Shallow criticized Riley for his alleged inaccurate public statement concerning a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the BCA, claiming that Kensington Oval had been awarded the final.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr Kishore Shallow has reprimanded Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) head Conde Riley for “serious breach of trust” and bringing “the entire CWI organization into disrepute.”

In a strongly worded letter to Riley on October 5, Shallow outlined a number of issues which he said reflected poorly on the Bajan’s stewardship.

The most egregious, Shallow said, was the 70-year-old Riley’s appearance on the Mason and Guest radio show on September 26, when he claimed Barbados had been awarded the rights by the International Cricket Council to host the final of the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup.

The World Cup is being held in the West Indies and US, with Barbados, Trinidad and Guyana reportedly vying to host the final. No announcement has been made by the ICC or CWI about the venue for the final.

CWI vice president Azim Bassarath recently told i95.5FM: “I know for a fact that decision has not been made as yet, and the reports that we’ve had from the ICC and from our people that represent CWI at ICC, is that some time in November that decision will be made.”

A clearly upset Shallow told Riley: “Your inaccurate public statement that a letter from the ICC to the BCA advising that Kensington Oval had been awarded the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final not only misled the public but also constituted a serious breach of the trust placed in you as a CWI director. Such actions not only reflect poorly on your personal integrity but also bring the entire CWI organization into disrepute.”

Shallow urged Riley to familiarize himself with Article 51 of the memorandum and articles of association of CWI and the code of ethics for the board of directors.

Shallow said there was hesitancy to throw the book at Riley, but warned that such considerations “may not be extended in the future.”

Shallow added, “This letter is issued with the expectation that you receive it with due gravity, CWI is an organization with sterling reputation, and as directors, we must act responsibly, in good faith and to maintain the best interest of CWI. Our collective actions must consistently uphold the highest standards of CWI.”