ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The future of West Indies cricket takes centre stage this summer as the 2026 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-Over Championship got underway in Antigua, with six territorial teams poised to battle for regional supremacy.

The 11-day tournament, which bowled off on Saturday, features Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Windward Islands competing across multiple venues in a highly anticipated showcase of the Caribbean’s next generation of cricketing talent.

Defending champions Barbados launched their title defence against the Windward Islands at Bethesda Playing Field, while the Leeward Islands face Jamaica at Coolidge Cricket Ground, and Trinidad and Tobago lock horns with Guyana at Liberta Sports Club in Saturday’s opening-round fixtures.

CWI’s High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill underscored the tournament’s significance as a cornerstone of the region’s player development pathway, emphasising that the championship extends far beyond the pursuit of silverware.

“The Rising Stars Championship continues to play a vital role in identifying and developing the players who will shape the future of West Indies cricket,” Gill said. “Every year we see young cricketers seize this opportunity to demonstrate their talent, character and competitive spirit, and many go on to represent the West Indies at the highest levels of the game.

“This tournament is about much more than results. It is an opportunity for our players to experience high-performance environments, compete under pressure, and continue building the skills and habits required for international cricket.”

The 50-over format provides an ideal platform for emerging players to showcase their all-round abilities, strengthen their claims for higher honours, and progress through Cricket West Indies’ high-performance pathway.

Following five preliminary rounds, the top two teams will contest the championship final at Liberta Sports Club on Wednesday, July 22, while the remaining sides compete in placement matches to determine the final standings.

Beyond on-field competition, players will participate in a comprehensive development programme, including anti-corruption and player development workshops, reinforcing CWI’s commitment to producing well-rounded athletes prepared for the demands of international cricket.

Tournament schedule

Round 1 – Saturday, July 11

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Coolidge Cricket Ground

Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana – Liberta Sports Club

Windward Islands vs Barbados – Bethesda Playing Field

Round 2 – Monday, July 13

Trinidad and Tobago vs Windward Islands – Coolidge Cricket Ground

Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Liberta Sports Club

Jamaica vs Guyana – Bethesda Playing Field

Round 3 – Wednesday, July 15

Barbados vs Guyana – Coolidge Cricket Ground

Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica – Liberta Sports Club

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Bethesda Playing Field

Round 4 – Saturday, July 18

Leeward Islands vs Guyana – Liberta Sports Club

Trinidad and Tobago vs Barbados – Piggots

Windward Islands vs Jamaica – Bethesda Playing Field

Round 5 – Monday, July 20

Windward Islands vs Guyana – Piggots

Trinidad and Tobago vs Leeward Islands – Liberta Sports Club

Jamaica vs Barbados – Bethesda Playing Field

Final & Placement Round – Wednesday, July 22

1 vs 2 (Championship Final) – Liberta Sports Club

3 vs 4 – Bethesda Playing Field