By Neto Baptiste
The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the newest cricket franchise in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), could feature a senior women’s team in next year’s Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).
This is according to the Public Relations and Operations Manager, Vernon Springer, who said the franchise is looking to spread its wings across all aspects of cricket in Antigua and Barbuda.
“We are also making a pitch as well, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, to have our own women’s team next year, 2025, and also to host the Women’s Premier League right here in Antigua and Barbuda. So, it’s just not only about the men but a combination of making sure as well, that other benefits and, like Sir Viv said, everybody has to come on board,” he said.
Cricket West Indies, on 14 March 2022, announced its intention to hold the first WCPL to run alongside the men’s tournament, which began in 2013. Since then, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders have been annual competitors in the tournament.
Barbados Royals won the tournament in 2023, beating Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final.
Springer added that there will be opportunities for players in general to benefit from the franchise being based in Antigua and Barbuda.
“The Leeward Islands Hurricanes will be in Antigua and Barbuda and, in fact, they will start training here to prepare for the Super50. So that is a next opportunity for young players in Antigua and Barbuda and around the region to make sure that we now have the Leeward Islands Hurricanes franchise, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and you have Cricket West Indies headquarters which is based here,” he said.
The 2024 season gets underway on August 29 with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons taking on the St Kitts Nevis Patriots at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. One day later, they face the Guyana Amazon Warriors, also at the North Sound venue. Both matches will start at 7pm.
Falcons will then face the Barbados Royals on September 30 at the same venue starting at 10am before taking on the St Lucia Kings on September 3, at 7pm, also at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
