The Caribbean is poised to benefit from a major boost to cricket development following the approval of a landmark Cricket West Indies (CWI) Campus and High-Performance Centre in Antigua and Barbuda.
In a significant move, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has authorised the establishment of the facility at Coolidge, describing it as a transformative investment in both regional cricket and national development.
The project, which will be rolled out in phases between 2026 and 2030, will see the redevelopment of a 20-acre property, now solely owned by CWI, into a fully integrated hub for elite cricket training, sports science, education, and commercial activity.
The proposal received Cabinet approval after discussions involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister of Sport Daryl Matthew, and senior CWI officials, including President Dr Kishore Shallow and CEO Chris Dehring.
Dr Shallow welcomed the decision, describing the initiative as pivotal to the future of West Indies cricket. He said the campus will provide a centralised platform to strengthen player development while improving the standard, consistency, and competitiveness of regional teams across all formats. He also highlighted its importance in building a more sustainable financial model through the integration of sport, tourism, content production, and innovation.
Prime Minister Browne also underscored the national significance of the project, calling it a defining moment in Antigua and Barbuda’s development. He noted that the initiative will position the country at the centre of global cricket development while unlocking new economic opportunities and supporting the transition to a more diversified economy.
The state-of-the-art facility is expected to serve as a central hub for high-performance training, featuring advanced analytics, modern coaching systems, and integrated athlete support services. A key component will be the inclusion of a full-time cricket academy and high school, aimed at nurturing young talent by combining academic education with elite cricket training, particularly for players across the Caribbean.
Additional features of the development include a high-performance centre equipped with indoor training nets, fitness and recovery facilities, and sports science laboratories. Plans also outline the refurbishment of a cricket venue to be renamed the 4 Knights Oval, along with the establishment of a West Indies Cricket Experience Museum celebrating the region’s rich cricket heritage. The campus will also house the administrative headquarters of Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League, alongside a dedicated broadcast and production facility. These additions are expected to enhance operational efficiency while positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub for global cricket content creation and distribution.
CEO Chris Dehring emphasised the long-term importance of the initiative, noting that the development represents a critical step in modernising cricket’s production pipeline in the region. He pointed to the integration of advanced technologies, including simulators and high-tech training equipment, as essential to improving player performance and maintaining global competitiveness. He added that the project is intended to benefit all Caribbean nations and could serve as a model for similar developments across the region.
Beyond cricket, the project is expected to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits. Cabinet has highlighted its alignment with global sports tourism trends, with projections pointing to increased visitor arrivals, job creation, and new business opportunities. The development is also expected to drive foreign direct investment, generate revenue through broadcasting and events, and strengthen the country’s international brand as a premier sports destination.
Further plans include a cricket-themed hotel and player residence, recreational sports facilities such as basketball, football, padel, and pickleball courts, and the rollout of CWI Performance Pods across the region to expand training and data capabilities. Overall, the initiative represents a bold step toward revitalising West Indies cricket while creating a modern, sustainable ecosystem that blends sport, education, technology, and commerce.
