CWI unveils 2025 West Indies Championship schedule

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

CRICKET WEST Indies (CWI) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 West Indies Championship with a continuation of the popular eight-team format which was introduced in 2024.

This year’s tournament will feature exciting innovations, including the reintroduction of first-inning points in drawn matches, the use of Kookaburra balls in two rounds, and at least one pink-ball day/night match for each team.

Competing teams will vie for the prestigious Headley-Weekes Trophy and a prize purse of US$250,000 for the champions and US$100,000 for the runners-up. Defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles will aim to secure their eighth title in a decade, following their thrilling victory in 2024.

CWI’s Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasised the tournament’s role in shaping the next generation of Test 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.”

Bascombe highlighted new initiatives aimed at preparing regional players for international challenges.

“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.”

The 2025 Championship will feature seven rounds of matches involving the following teams: Guyana Harpy Eagles (defending champions), Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC), and the West Indies Academy.

Both the CCC and the West Indies Academy have been retained as permanent fixtures following their impressive performances in their debut seasons.

The competition begins on January 29 with three action-packed rounds running until February 15, hosted in Guyana, Trinidad, St Vincent, and Antigua. The second phase resumes on March 5, with matches in Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Guyana, and Antigua. The final two rounds will take place from April 2–12 in Antigua, St Kitts, St Lucia, and Trinidad.