ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the second match of the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago bilateral series in the 2026 West Indies Championship has been abandoned as a draw due to dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.

Play was halted on the first session of the third day after the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable and uneven behaviour, raising serious concerns for player safety. During this period, Leeward Islands player Jeremiah Louis was struck while batting. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and subsequently transported to hospital to be evaluated for a possible concussion and is reported to be in stable condition. ​

The decision to abandon the match was made in accordance with the official playing conditions governing the competition. Under these conditions, when on-field umpires determine that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue, play must be stopped and the CWI Match Referee consulted. ​

Following discussions with the curator, it was determined that the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore deemed unfit to resume, resulting in the match being abandoned as a draw. Both teams will be awarded points earned up until the abandonment of the contest in accordance with the championship’s playing conditions. ​

CWI further advises that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the Championship Final, set for May 17–20, and confirms that all necessary resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure the preparation of a safe and competitive playing surface for that fixture. It is also important to note that the surface used for the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago match is one of six pitches available at the venue and differs from the one used for match one of the Guyana vs Windward Islands series. ​ ​

CWI will continue to prioritize player safety while ensuring the highest standards of pitch preparation and match operations across all venues.

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Someone must be fired for and abandoned match due to an unfit pitch.

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CWI further advises that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the Championship Final, set for May 17–20

They will improve and have a sand pitch as the ACG did a couple of decades ago...

@Trex

This fella that got hit was to blame, not the pitch,he played down the wrong line on the front foot,that is asking for trouble to a short ball.I only recall one other batsman being hit, J.Goolie hit on the wrist but came back and made 50.Who else got hurt,no one i think.The match should have carried on,this is cricket not Snakes and Ladders.All the officials should find jobs with the Ambulance Service

i am sure we can recall when M.Holding and Co had half of the Indians visit the Hospital in Kingston,why wasn't that match abandoned,instead India gave up fearing more serious damage.

Pretty convenient for Leewards. Just a coincidence. This match could easily have made the difference between first and second place finishers

@granite

Why is it we have video evidence and you all are still misinterpreting the facts?

First of all the ball was not a short ball. Secondly, the ball deviated with exaggerated bounce on pitching. If you look at the bowler's action there was no bend your back effort to create the bouncer.

@voiceofreason

the ball was a short ball homes. It pitched parallel to the second line by in the just above the middle of the pitch…..that is how a short pitched delivery is supposed to behave. What was funny was usually when they bring out a gurney, it’s because the batsman is incapacitated and cannot get himself off the pitch. Jeremiah Louis was sitting on the field, got up using his own two legs and lay down on the gurney, and was carried off. I have never seen anything as pathetic as that on a cricket field in a long time. Leeward Island Snowflakes