BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados for the first time in the competition’s history, the tournament’s Chief executive Officer Pete Russell has confirmed.

Providence Stadium in Guyana hosted four finals in a row since 2022 and, according to reports, it generated US$84 million in 2022 and a record US$101.6 million in 2023.

While official figures for 2025 are not yet available, based on figures and the number of tickets sold, it could be another record-breaking year.

Russell said he expects Barbados to hold an equally successful tournament for the 14th edition.

He said with the final slated to be held at Kensington Oval, he is predicting a much-improved performance by the Barbados Royals who finished last in the standings in this year’s tournament.

“I think the Barbados team — and I’m sure the management of the Barbados team — will look at it very closely because you want the home team, the hosting team of the finals, to do well.

“I mean, we got Guyana in the finals here [and] it makes a big difference. But Barbados fans love cricket so I’m sure they’ll come and watch whoever’s in the final,” Russell said.

“I think that franchise will get its act together and be very competitive next year. We’re changing the rules, of course, so everyone goes back into the draft at the end of this tournament so the teams will look very different going forward, which is exciting as well.”

Trinbago Knight Riders are the 2025 champions after defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final on Sunday.