Breakout T20 League's 2026 Window Under Review by CWI and CPL

Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League are reassessing the scheduling of the Breakout T20 League for 2026 due to a busy cricket calendar and World Cup preparations. CWI's CEO emphasizes the league's role in player development, while CPL's CEO reaffirms commitment to its long-term viability. The review aims to ensure the league's structure aligns with developmental goals and provides adequate space for meaningful impact. Both organizations are dedicated to refining the league's format and timing to enhance its contribution to Caribbean cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 17:11 IST

Review of Breakout T20 League Schedule

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have announced a review regarding the scheduling of the Breakout T20 League for 2026. Due to the crowded international and domestic cricket calendar, along with the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup preparations, it has been concluded that the tournament cannot take place during its initially planned timeframe.

Commitment to Player Development

Following the successful launch of the league earlier this year, both CWI and CPL are dedicated to the Breakout T20 League, which is seen as a vital element in the player development pathway within the region and serves as a crucial link to franchise and international cricket.

Strategic Pause for Optimal Development

CWI's CEO, Chris Dehring, stressed that the league's main goal is to foster player development, especially in recognizing and nurturing talent outside conventional pathways. He stated, "Although we have not pinpointed a suitable timeframe for the Breakout League in 2026, it remains a significant part of our domestic tournament strategy. This pause, particularly during a challenging financial period, allows us to evaluate the league's framework and ensure it is effectively positioned within the World Cup cycle for optimal developmental results."

Dehring further emphasized the need for broader scouting efforts across the Caribbean to identify players with the necessary skills and mindset for modern cricket, including those who may develop later or have not yet experienced elite environments. This requires enhanced scouting, better data collection, and a clearer connection between the Breakout League and high-performance systems to ensure a measurable progression to senior international levels.

Alignment Across West Indies Cricket

Dehring noted that alignment at all levels of West Indies cricket is crucial during this cycle, with various national teams competing globally. He remarked, "With the Under-19 Men's and Senior Men's teams preparing for upcoming World Cups, this is a particularly demanding time for our players. While the Breakout League is part of our future planning, it will not occur in the same timeframe. Both CWI and CPL agree that the tournament needs adequate space to make a significant developmental impact and engage our fans effectively. We will continue to seek a suitable timeframe for this event in 2026."

CPL's Ongoing Support

CPL's CEO, Pete Russell, reiterated the league's importance, emphasizing the need for its long-term sustainability and developmental significance. He stated, "The CPL fully endorses the Breakout League and its role in Caribbean cricket. Although we have yet to find an appropriate window for 2026, our commitment to the league remains steadfast. This period will enable us to refine the format, timing, and support structures to ensure the league meets its intended objectives within the regional development framework, both now and in the future."