Chalien Dantes / Contributor

A fresh chapter of the West Indies Championship began on Sunday, as teams took to the field under a new format that promises a more intense and demanding contest from start to finish.

This year’s structure shifts away from the traditional setup, introducing three match bilateral series between teams. At the end of those contests, the top side on points secures a direct place in the final, while the teams finishing second and third must battle in a playoff for the remaining spot.

Defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles return with confidence after lifting the title three times in a row. Head coach Ryan Hercules believes the new format adds intrigue and pushes players to perform at a higher level across each series. Over at the Windward Islands Volcanoes, head coach Kenroy Peters is backing a squad built with the future in mind, pointing to steady development as a key part of their approach. He sees the bilateral setup as a chance for players to build rhythm and maintain form over multiple matches. For the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, newly appointed head coach Rayad Emrit is leaning on discipline and team values to guide his side through the new structure. Meanwhile, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes entered the tournament well prepared after months of planning. Head coach Steve Liburd oversaw training camps from as early as January, aiming to sharpen both skill and strategy ahead of the competition.

Across the board, coaches agree that preparation alone will not decide outcomes. Execution on the field, attention to detail, and the ability to stay consistent across each series are expected to separate contenders from the rest.