Cricket West Indies Aims to Transform Cricket Development Across the Americas

CWI's Ambitious Plans for Cricket Growth

St John’s [Antigua], July 10: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled its commitment to enhance and guide the development of cricket throughout North, Central, and South America.

In a recent announcement, CWI stated, “As cricket experiences rapid expansion across the Americas, we are determined to lead efforts in shaping and strengthening the sport across the region.”

Following a significant visit by CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow to Lima, Peru, which was part of broader diplomatic and sporting initiatives, the organization revealed plans to establish La Federacion de Criquet de las Americas (FECA). This new regional body will serve as a collaborative platform to facilitate cricket's growth across the Americas, with CWI taking a leading role as the only ICC Full Member in the area.

President Shallow remarked, “This initiative is a crucial step in promoting cricket throughout the Americas. CWI acknowledges its responsibility not just to the Caribbean but to the entire region. We understand the necessity of structure, collaboration, and a unified vision to tap into the vast potential present in the Americas.”

CWI’s CEO, Chris Dehring, highlighted the positive impact that this development could have on the region. “Our expansion efforts should benefit every country under our jurisdiction,” he stated.

“This growth will enhance national programs and strengthen West Indies cricket by broadening our base, creating more opportunities, and increasing our regional significance. With cricketing hubs emerging in countries like Brazil, which boasts 72,000 registered players—predominantly women under professional contracts—along with Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, the region is primed for significant engagement,” he added.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the ongoing engagement with member countries such as the Bahamas and Bermuda, noting the increasing demand for development partnerships in the region.

“Incorporating teams from the Americas into our tournaments offers clear mutual advantages,” he explained. “It broadens our competitions, providing our players with more games and exposure to diverse opponents, while also offering valuable match experience for developing teams in the region. This initiative opens doors for players, staff, and officials, allowing our coaches and technical staff to contribute to and benefit from regional capacity building.”

Currently, two youth teams from the United States are competing in CWI’s Rising Stars U19 Tournament in St. Kitts, furthering collaboration with North American partners.

In November, four senior national teams from the Caribbean will head to Lima, Peru, to participate in the Bolivarian Games, marking a historic first for cricket and a symbolic entry into the South American sports arena.

Looking towards 2027, cricket is set to be included in the Pan American Games, where Caribbean nations with Olympic accreditation will compete on an international platform, coinciding with cricket's return to the Olympic Games.

The proposed creation of FECA signifies a transformative chapter in cricket's journey in the Americas and will reinforce Cricket West Indies’ role as a leader in the sport's future within the Western Hemisphere.