Antigua & Barbuda government approves establishment of CWI’s modern high-performance campus 

In a move set to redefine the landscape of Caribbean cricket, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has officially approved the establishment of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Campus.

The ambitious 20-acre project, scheduled for a phased rollout between 2026 and 2030, aims to transform the nation into the premier high-performance hub for the Americas, blending elite sport with tourism and commercial innovation.

The decision follows high-level discussions between Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Sports Minister Darryl Matthew, and CWI leadership, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow and CEO Chris Dehring.

Under the new plan, the Coolidge site—now solely owned by CWI—will evolve into a fully integrated ecosystem designed to modernise the region’s production pipeline and secure the long-term financial viability of the West Indies game.

At the heart of the proposal is a state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre (HPC) that will serve as the engine room for regional talent. The facility is expected to house indoor training nets, advanced analytics suites, and a dedicated sports science and recovery lab.

This data-driven approach is intended to elevate the consistency and competitiveness of West Indies teams across all formats, addressing long-standing calls for a centralised, modern training environment.

The development will also see a significant transformation of the local landscape.

The existing international venue is slated for refurbishment and will be renamed the 4 Knights Oval, honouring the nation’s legendary cricketing icons.

This will be complemented by the West Indies Cricket Experience Museum, an immersive facility designed to celebrate the region’s storied history while attracting global visitors.

The scope of the CWI Campus extends far beyond the playing field. In a strategic bid to nurture the next generation, the plan includes a full-time Cricket Academy and High School (WICA).

This institution is designed to provide a structured academic and athletic pathway for youth across the Caribbean, with a specific focus on reaching talent in underserved communities.

Furthermore, the campus will solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s status as the administrative and media nerve center of the region. The site will house the headquarters for both Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Crucially, a remote TV production facility will be established, positioning the country as a regional broadcast centre capable of managing international cricket content for a global audience.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the approval as a “defining moment” for the twin-island nation.

The project aligns with broader government goals to diversify the economy through sports tourism. By integrating a cricket-themed business hotel and player residences alongside recreational facilities for padel, pickleball, and football, the campus is expected to drive significant foreign direct investment and increase long-stay visitor arrivals.

CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow noted that the initiative is as much about financial sustainability as it is about on-field results. He emphasised that the campus will enable the organisation to harness synergies among sport, content production, and hospitality, reducing CWI’s reliance on traditional income streams.

While the campus is rooted in Antigua, its impact is intended to be felt throughout the archipelago. CWI plans to deploy “Performance Pods” (CWIP) across the region, extending the central hub’s data and training capabilities to other territories.

CEO Chris Dehring highlighted that while this world-class facility is a “necessary first step” in modernising the Caribbean game, the hope is that Antigua and Barbuda’s lead will inspire similar investments across the region.

As the project prepares to break ground, the cricket world will be watching closely to see if this landmark investment can indeed return the West Indies to the pinnacle of the global game. (Modified CWI Release)