WI captain speaks of inspiring teammates and making the Caribbean tough for opposition
Following an eight-month-long period of inactivity, the West Indies will return to action on Friday in the first of three Women’s One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka in Grenada.
The series will be the Caribbean side’s third since failing to qualify for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, after suffering 3-0 and 2-1 losses to England and South Africa, respectively. And captain Hayley Matthews wants Windies to apply a ‘clean slate’ outlook against what she deems “really good opposition.”
“It's a new year and a fresh start to the year, [so] we want to go out there with vibes high and energy high from the very first match,” Matthews said.
The 27-year-old has once again echoed the sentiments of head coach Shane Deitz in not only wanting to win but also embracing the style of cricket associated with the Caribbean.
“We feel as though if we play the right brand of cricket and we play with the right energy and the right passion, the results will certainly follow,” she said.
Fawad Sarwar, a businessman based in the United States, has acquired the rights to the Jamaican franchise, which is set to return to the Caribbean Premier League this summer.
Talks with GMR Group, co-owners of Indian Premier League side Delhi Capitals, have reportedly fallen through, paving the way for the Pakistan-born Sarwar, who operates the FKS Group and Kingsmen Sports and Enterprise, to close the deal.
The companies also own the Minor League Cricket side, Chicago Kingsmen, as well as the newly established Hyderabad Kingsmen, a Pakistan Super League expansion team.
Meanwhile, Sabina Park is set to host four matches when the CPL makes its long-awaited return to Jamaica this summer. A statement from the league revealed that the development is a result of “productive and collaborative discussions with the Government of Jamaica."
The third edition of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) is set to run from July 23 to August 1 at the National Stadium in Providence, with five teams competing over ten days for a US$1 million prize pool.
A sold-out Providence crowd witnessed the home side, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, lift the trophy after defeating the Rangpur Riders in last season’s final, and league chairman Sir Clive Lloyd is excited by the prospect of continued growth.
“In just two years, the GSL has established itself as a truly global club competition, showcasing outstanding talent and attracting tremendous support both locally and internationally,” Lloyd said.
“Last year’s final, played before a packed stadium, demonstrated the passion for cricket in Guyana and the strength of this tournament. The GSL is about excellence, opportunity, and uniting fans from around the world through the game we love.”
The participating teams for the upcoming edition are yet to be revealed.
Rupert Hunter has reportedly resigned from his position as Chief Commercial Officer of Cricket West Indies.
The NationNews outlet in Barbados, on the weekend, reported that the Englishman's decision was communicated to the Board of Directors and other staff at CWI's headquarters last week.
The reason for Hunter’s resignation has, however, not been disclosed, and CWI is yet to confirm his departure. He was quoted in the unveiling of West Indies’ 2026 T20 World Cup playing kit, highlighting the “passion and ‘Maroon Spirit’” they reflected.
Hunter, who previously held a similar position at the International Cricket Council (ICC), was appointed to the role in October of 2024, alongside the then Communication and Media Manager, Nyssa Pierre.
Pierre walked away from the post after three months.
Jamaica’s Minister of Sport says the government has worked out how the country will “benefit”
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, has finally confirmed that the country will return to host a franchise for the 2026 CPL season. “The Caribbean Premier League will be back in Jamaica, and we are happy to welcome them,” she said.
Jamaica previously hosted the Tallawahs franchise from the inaugural 2013 season of the CPL before it was made defunct following the 2023 edition.
“The Cabinet last Monday approved the return,” Grange revealed. “We have a partnership with the CPL [and] a new franchise holder. We have worked out some details regarding how Jamaica will benefit outside of the T20 Games.”
Despite winning three titles in ten seasons, including one as recently as 2022, Tallawahs owner Kris Persaud sold the franchise back to the CPL, citing a lack of support from the Jamaican government. Persaud then went on to acquire the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, which has replaced the Tallawahs for the last two seasons.
