Durrant Pate/Contributor

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a transformative proposal for the establishment of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Campus there.

The Campus will be a world-class, integrated cricket and sports tourism development that will position the nation as the premier high-performance cricket hub in the Americas. The Campus will be developed as a 20-acre, fully integrated ecosystem, and it will combine elite cricket training, sports science, tourism experiences, and commercial activity in a single, dynamic location.

The move, endorsed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Sports Minister Darryl Matthew, represents a major strategic investment in sports development, tourism diversification, youth advancement, and economic growth. The Prime Minister Browne described the approval as a “defining moment” in the country’s development, saying, “This project places Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of global cricket development while unlocking new economic opportunities for our people. It is a bold step toward building a modern, diversified economy rooted in our strengths.”

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the successful execution of the project.

Vision for Global Cricket Leadership

The project will be rolled out in phases with major components scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2030, subject to ongoing funding and partnership arrangements. The Cabinet emphasised the importance of the project in strengthening the regional cricket pipeline. 

The Cricket Academy and High School will provide structured academic and athletic development for young cricketers across the Caribbean, particularly those from underserved communities. Additionally, the integration of sports medicine, wellness, and research facilities will contribute to advancements in athlete care and performance science.

Key components of the approved project include:

• A state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre (HPC) featuring indoor training nets, advanced analytics, fitness facilities, and a sports science and recovery lab
• A refurbished international cricket venue to be renamed the 4 Knights Oval
• A West Indies Cricket Experience Museum, offering immersive, interactive exhibits 
• Celebrating the region’s rich cricket legacy
• Administrative headquarters for Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), solidifying Antigua and Barbuda as the administrative hub of Caribbean cricket
• A remote TV production facility, positioning the country as a regional broadcast center for international cricket
• A full-time Cricket Academy and High School (WICA) to develop the next generation of West Indies cricketers
• A cricket-themed business hotel and player residence, catering to teams, athletes, and visitors
• Recreational sports facilities, including padel, pickleball, basketball, and football courts
• Deployment of CWI Performance Pods (CWIP) across the region, extending training and data capabilities

Economic and Tourism Impact

Cabinet recognised the project’s strong alignment with global trends in sports tourism and the rapidly expanding sports economy. The development is expected to:

• Significantly boost sports tourism arrivals and long-stay visitors
• Create new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities
• Enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s international brand as a premier sports destination
• Drive foreign direct investment and economic diversification
• Generate revenue through data monetisation, broadcasting, and events

The initiative also leverages Antigua and Barbuda’s unique advantages, including year-round outdoor training conditions, established tourism infrastructure, and a rich cricketing heritage.