CWI 2025 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship Commences

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship, a beacon of burgeoning cricketing talent in the Caribbean, embarked on its latest chapter on July 8, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago. This two-week tournament, culminating on July 19th, showcases the region’s brightest young female cricketers, vying for supremacy on the pitch. Six teams, representing Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands, and defending champions Guyana, have converged to demonstrate their cricketing prowess.

Now in its fifth iteration under the “CWI Rising Stars Championship” banner, the tournament boasts a rich history dating back to 2009. Initially conceived as an invitational event orchestrated by the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association (TTWCA), the competition gained significant traction, eventually attracting the attention and support of Cricket West Indies. This evolution culminated in 2019 when the CWI Board of Directors pledged full funding for the tournament, solidifying its place as a crucial stepping stone in the development of women’s cricket in the West Indies. This commitment followed the successful hosting of the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, underscoring the region’s growing prominence in the global women’s cricket arena.

The 2025 edition of the tournament carries a special significance, marking another milestone in CWI’s investment in the future of women’s cricket. The tournament not only provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills but also serves as a vital talent identification pathway for future West Indies women’s teams. The competition offers these aspiring cricketers invaluable experience, exposing them to high-pressure situations and fostering the development of crucial cricketing skills. The tournament acts as a crucible, forging stronger, more resilient players with the potential to elevate West Indies women’s cricket to new heights.

The participating teams bring a diverse range of talent and cricketing styles to the tournament. Guyana, the defending champions, will be looking to retain their title, while the Leeward Islands, last year’s runners-up, are eager to go one step further and claim the coveted trophy. Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and the Windward Islands will also be fiercely competitive, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. Each team represents the culmination of dedicated training and preparation, embodying the cricketing spirit and passion that permeates the Caribbean.

The tournament structure is designed to provide ample opportunities for all teams to showcase their abilities. A round-robin format ensures that each team plays every other team, guaranteeing a comprehensive assessment of each squad’s strengths and weaknesses. This format fosters healthy competition and provides invaluable experience for the young cricketers, allowing them to learn from each encounter and refine their skills against a variety of opponents. The matches promise thrilling displays of cricketing talent, showcasing the future stars of West Indies women’s cricket.

Beyond the on-field action, the CWI Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship serves a broader purpose. It symbolizes the growth and development of women’s cricket in the region, reflecting the increasing opportunities and support available to aspiring female cricketers. The tournament provides a platform for these young women to shine, inspiring future generations and further solidifying the West Indies’ position as a force to be reckoned with in the international cricketing landscape. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the power of sport to empower and inspire, shaping the future of women’s cricket in the Caribbean. The competition will undoubtedly produce compelling narratives of individual brilliance, teamwork, and sportsmanship, leaving a lasting legacy on the development of the game in the region.