Chalien Dantes / Contributor

The absence of Kensington Oval from the 2026 international schedule has stirred tension across regional cricket, with disagreement emerging between Cricket West Indies and Barbadian officials.

The decision means Barbados will not host matches during upcoming tours by Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan, a move that drew concern from Prime Minister Mia Mottley and cricket figure Calvin Hope.

However, CWI vice president Azim Bassarath insists the reaction has taken the board by surprise. He maintains that the schedule was discussed in detail months earlier, with representatives from Barbados present and no objections raised at the time.

According to Bassarath, the allocation of matches across the region was guided by financial pressures and logistical planning. Under the arrangement, Guyana is set to host New Zealand’s white ball matches, Trinidad and Tobago will stage Pakistan’s tour, while Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda will share Sri Lanka’s fixtures.