CWI pivots to bilateral format for U16s

The region’s most promising junior men’s cricketers will take to the field on Sunday, March 29, as the 2026 CWI Rising Stars Under-16 Men’s Tournament gets underway under a revised bilateral series format.

The start of the tournament marks a key milestone in CWI’s ongoing review of the structure and delivery of regional cricket competitions for the 2026–2027 period, with a focus on strengthening player pathways, enhancing performance assessment, and ensuring the sustainable management of resources during a challenging financial period.

As the foundational stage of the regional development pathway, the Under-16 Tournament is primarily focused on talent identification.

In shaping this year’s format, priority was placed on maintaining playing opportunities, broadening scouting reach, and creating meaningful development experiences for players across the Caribbean.

In keeping with this approach, no overall winner will be declared at the end of the series, with the emphasis placed squarely on assessing and identifying talent rather than team standings or championship outcomes.

The 2026 edition of the 50-Over competition will feature three concurrent, five-match bilateral series played across three host territories (Guyana, Antigua and Jamaica).

This structure maintains a strong volume of competitive matches while enabling greater visibility for players in different conditions and environments.

It also provides a valuable touring experience for visiting teams and offers host territories opportunities to showcase their programmes and talent on home soil.

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe spoke about the factors we considered during the review process and the areas prioritised in identifying alternative formats.

“The start of this tournament represents an important step in how we continue to support youth development across the region, while carefully managing financial resources. At the Under-15 level, our priority is clear – identifying talent and giving young players the best possible platform to showcase their skills.”

“In designing this year’s structure, we focused on expanding opportunities for participation, strengthening the quality of player assessment, and ensuring that our identification processes are as thorough and far-reaching as possible. Importantly, this format keeps the emphasis on player growth, evaluation and long-term potential.

This is about building a strong foundation for West Indies cricket and ensuring that our young players are well prepared for each stage of the pathway, ultimately leading to the international level,”he added.

 

The developmental focus of the tournament is also being supported by the presence of former international players and experienced coaches within several team management units.

Former international and regional first-class players, including Stuart Williams (Leeward Islands), Robert Samuels and Sheldon Cottrell (Jamaica), along with veteran regional and international coaches Roderick Estwick (Barbados) and Dalton Polius (Windward Islands), will provide invaluable guidance to the young talent throughout the tournament. (CWI Press Release) 

FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

 March 29th

Guyana vs Barbados @Lusignan Cricket Ground, Lusignan, Guyana

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua

Jamaica vs Trinidad and Tobago @Melbourne Park, Kingston, Jamaica

 March 31st  

Guyana vs Barbados @Lusignan Cricket Ground, Lusignan, Guyana

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua

Jamaica vs Trinidad and Tobago @JB Cricket Ground, St. Catherine, Jamaica

April 2nd  

Guyana vs Barbados @Everest Cricket Club Ground, Georgetown, Guyana

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua

Jamaica vs Trinidad and Tobago @JB Cricket Ground, St. Catherine, Jamaica

 April 4th  

Guyana vs Barbados @Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @Bethesda Sports Gound, Antigua

Jamaica vs Trinidad and Tobago @Boys Town, Kingston, Jamaica

 April 6th  

Guyana vs Barbados @Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana

Leeward Islands vs Windward Islands @Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua

Jamaica vs Trinidad and Tobago @Melbourne Park, Kingston, Jamaica

Squads

Barbados: Javion Batson, Michael Bend, Micaiah Brathwaite, Omari Daniel-Hood, Oshea Francis, Kieran Gittens, Malikai Mason, Jalan McAllister, Shaquan Parris, Shiv Sahadeo, Shawnico Sargeant, Liam Sealy, Ben Shepherd, Charles Wood.

Guyana: Lomar Seecharan (c), Brandon Grimmond, Gautam Dhanraj, Luke Amsterdam, Akash Ramdewar, Nathan Bishop, Asgallary Nabbie, Altaf Ali, Makai Dowlin, Leon Reddy, Johnathan Barry, Devraj Persaud, Ravid Fredricks, Jaydan Ganpat.

Jamaica: Zachary Buchanan, Sean Clarke, Jermari Bryce, Jayden Shaw, Marcus Bryan, Romario West, Marvin Johnson, Ranjay Thomas, Raheim Livingston, Daniel Wolliston, Jeremiah Johnson, Jabari Ralph, Rajae McGeachy, Daniel Davidson, Hugh Turner, Najai Wright, Andino Edwards, Kemar Parker.

Trinidad and Tobago: Arnaldo Premchand, Aydan Ramtahal, Christiano Beharry, Davis Guerra, Eshanan Deopersad, Giovanni McKnight, Kaveed Katwaroo, Keshav Mongru, K’Hill Thomas, Marley Richards, Nityum Mongru, Ronaldo Siewsankar, Samir Boodoo, Sanjiv Bachu.

Leeward Islands: Adoni Ali, Isaiah Harris, Karese Farrell, Nicklos Hero, Aedan Williams, De’morae Prentice, Deshawn James, Kamari France, Ryan Marchan, Elijah Miller, Ian Jeremiah, Dante Odlum, Akez France, Ondre Peters.

Windward Islands: Derwin Lewis, Dylon John, Alex Armstrong, Jershaun Joseph, Nian Davis, Dillon Joseph, Javien Benjamin, Evan Gilbert, Aaron St. Hillaire, Kaleb Charles, Nicken Justin, Ahmaud Williams, Ahmar Lavia, Ron Charles.