By Samuel Peters
With many local players anticipating the return of the shorter formats namely T20 and T10, the landscape of Antigua’s domestic cricket faces a significant shift as the popular Cool & Smooth T20 tournament joins the JOMA T10 in what appears to be a permanent exit from the local cricket calendar, marking the end of an era in Antiguan cricket development.
Tournament Director Dario Barthley expressed disappointment but understanding about the situation. “It’s unfortunate that administrators’ decisions have led to this outcome, especially when players were eager to participate,” Barthley stated. “The tournament has been instrumental in providing opportunities for local cricketers over the past decade, creating highlight reels and pathways to professional cricket, including the CPL.”
The collapse of negotiations centered primarily on financial demands, with clubs seeking increased appearance fees. However, Barthley emphasized the economic realities of amateur cricket: “The fact is, there aren’t many people willing to pay to watch or sponsor amateur cricket at that level. You have to operate within your means.”
This development follows the earlier cancellation of the JOMA T10 competition after disagreements with the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) over sponsorship arrangements.
Barthley said that securing similar levels of sponsorship and maintaining the tournament’s professional presentation standards would be challenging for any potential replacement competition. “We amplified the tournament to create real opportunities, but it’s still local amateur cricket. I think some people maybe got carried away with how the tournament was presented.”
While Barthley hopes another T20 competition will emerge to fill the void, he believes the chapter has closed on both the Cool & Smooth T20 and JOMA T10 tournaments, ending a significant era in Antigua’s cricket development pathway.
The termination of these tournaments raises questions about the future of shorter-format cricket development in Antigua and the potential impact on local players who benefited from these vital platforms for exposure and growth.
