Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says franchise holders and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have made significant commitments to advancing professional cricket in Jamaica.

“They have committed an annual investment of $2.75 million to operate a professional men’s CPL team…[and] an annual investment of US$500,000 to establish and operate a professional women’s CPL team,” she noted.

Grange made the disclosure during the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives meeting on March 6 at Gordon House, where members reviewed the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure.

She explained that the commitment includes a long-term focus on grassroots cricket, with youth programmes to be jointly developed by the stakeholders, along with collaboration involving government and corporate partners to deliver measurable benefits.

Minister Grange highlighted that the investment plan also includes upgrades to sporting infrastructure, aimed at positioning Jamaica as a premier hub for elite T20 cricket.

She added that this is intended to ensure global exposure, thereby strengthening Jamaica’s position as a regional leader in the sports tourism sector.

Grange further noted the partnership involving the Ministry of Tourism, the CPL, and the new franchise to promote Jamaica as a premier sports tourism destination.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cricket at all levels, expand opportunities for youth development, and elevate Jamaica’s profile as a regional leader in sports tourism.