ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the exhilarating schedule for the 2025 West Indies Championship, retaining the widely praised eight-team format introduced in 2024.
With exciting innovations, the competition is set to captivate fans and bolster the development of future Test cricket stars.
The tournament will include seven rounds of intense matches, featuring teams competing for the prestigious Headley Weekes Trophy and a substantial prize pool of $250,000 for the champions and $100,000 for the runners-up. Among the enhancements is the return of first-innings points in drawn matches, the use of Kookaburra balls in two rounds, and the introduction of at least one pink-ball day/night match for each team.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the championship’s critical role in developing elite cricketers. “The West Indies Championship is a crucial pillar in our cricket development pathway. Having eight teams compete across the region reinforces our commitment to first-class cricket, which remains the foundation for developing Test players,” he remarked.
Building resilience through regional diversity
Bascombe highlighted the strategic importance of exposing players to diverse conditions across the Caribbean, a move aimed at fostering resilience and skill development. “By exposing players to diverse conditions across the region, we are building the resilience needed to excel at the highest level. This year’s innovations and regional spread will broaden their experience and skill set,” he added.
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The 2025 line-up includes defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC), and the West Indies Academy. Both CCC and the Academy, now permanent fixtures, have earned their place after remarkable debut performances last year.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles, fresh off their seventh title in a decade, are eager to defend their crown after a thrilling victory in 2024. Meanwhile, the other teams are primed to challenge their dominance in what promises to be an electrifying season.
Comprehensive schedule across the Caribbean
The competition kicks off on January 29, with the first phase hosted across Guyana, Trinidad, St Vincent, and Antigua. Following a mid-season break, the second phase resumes on March 5, featuring matches in Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Guyana, and Antigua. The final two rounds are slated for April 2–12 in Antigua, St Kitts, St Lucia, and Trinidad, ensuring a comprehensive Caribbean cricketing showcase.
The stage is set for another riveting chapter in West Indies cricket, with players and fans alike anticipating a season filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.