West Indies Championship 2025 Schedule Announced

The 2025 West Indies Championship, the premier first-class cricket competition in the Caribbean, is set to commence in late January, featuring eight teams vying for the coveted Headley Weekes Trophy and a substantial prize purse. The tournament retains the eight-team format introduced in 2024, with defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles aiming to continue their recent dominance. Several innovations are being implemented this year, including the reinstatement of first-innings points for drawn matches, the introduction of Kookaburra balls for two rounds, and the inclusion of at least one day/night fixture using a pink ball for each team. These changes are designed to further enhance the development of regional players by exposing them to diverse playing conditions and challenges they are likely to encounter at the international level.

The eight participating teams are the Guyana Harpy Eagles, Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC), Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, West Indies Academy, and Windward Islands Volcanoes. Both the West Indies Academy and the CCC have secured their permanent positions in the championship following impressive debut seasons. Last year’s tournament witnessed a gripping finale, with the Guyana Harpy Eagles ultimately clinching their seventh title in nine years. This year’s competition promises to be equally competitive, showcasing the talent and resilience of Caribbean cricketers.

The 2025 Championship will unfold over seven rounds, divided into two blocks. The first block, comprising three rounds, runs from January 29 to February 15. The opening round will see matches hosted across four countries: Guyana, Trinidad, St. Vincent, and Antigua. The second and third rounds will expand to include venues in Barbados, Dominica, and St. Kitts. The second block, consisting of the remaining four rounds, begins on March 5th with the fourth and fifth rounds being played in Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Guyana, and Antigua. After a short break, the tournament will conclude with the final two rounds from April 2nd to 12th, hosted in Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Trinidad.

The schedule has been meticulously planned to offer a balanced mix of venues and opponents, ensuring that each team faces a variety of challenges throughout the tournament. The inclusion of day/night matches with pink balls will add a new dimension to the competition, requiring players to adapt their skills to different lighting conditions and ball behavior. This strategic move aims to better prepare players for the rigors of international cricket, where such conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Cricket West Indies has prioritized fan engagement and accessibility by ensuring comprehensive coverage of the tournament. Live streaming of all matches will be available on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, providing global access to the action. Furthermore, the official Windies Cricket website (www.windiescricket.com) will feature a dedicated Match Centre offering detailed statistics, ball-by-ball updates, and other relevant information. This multi-platform approach aims to cater to a wide range of cricket enthusiasts, allowing them to follow the tournament closely and stay connected with their favorite teams and players.

The 2025 West Indies Championship not only serves as a platform for showcasing regional cricketing talent but also plays a vital role in the development pathway for aspiring Test cricketers. By exposing players to various conditions and challenges, the tournament helps them hone their skills and build the resilience required to excel at the highest level. The introduction of innovations such as first-innings points, Kookaburra balls, and day/night fixtures further enhances the developmental aspect of the tournament, ensuring that players are well-prepared for the demands of international cricket. With a competitive format, increased exposure, and a significant prize purse, the 2025 West Indies Championship promises to be a compelling spectacle of Caribbean cricketing prowess.