Caribbean’s brightest young cricketers ready to shine as Rising Stars Championship returns
Key Points(5)
- The next generation of West Indies cricketers will take another significant step toward the international game when the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-19 50-Over Championship gets underway on Saturday in Antigua.
- Over the next 11 days, the region's finest emerging talent will battle for supremacy as six territorial teams compete in the Caribbean's flagship youth tournament, a competition that has consistently served as the launching pad for future West Indies internationals.
- Representing Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Windward Islands, the young players will not only pursue championship glory but also the opportunity to strengthen their credentials within Cricket West Indies' high-performance pathway.
- More than a championship While the tournament will crown a regional champion, Cricket West Indies views the competition as a vital stage in preparing players for the demands of international cricket.
- High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill believes the annual event remains one of the organization's most valuable development initiatives.
The next generation of West Indies cricketers will take another significant step toward the international game when the 2026 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-19 50-Over Championship gets underway on Saturday in Antigua.
Over the next 11 days, the region's finest emerging talent will battle for supremacy as six territorial teams compete in the Caribbean's flagship youth tournament, a competition that has consistently served as the launching pad for future West Indies internationals.
Representing Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Windward Islands, the young players will not only pursue championship glory but also the opportunity to strengthen their credentials within Cricket West Indies' high-performance pathway.
More than a championship
While the tournament will crown a regional champion, Cricket West Indies views the competition as a vital stage in preparing players for the demands of international cricket.
High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill believes the annual event remains one of the organization's most valuable development initiatives.
"The Rising Stars Championship continues to play a vital role in identifying and developing the players who will shape the future of West Indies cricket. Every year we see young cricketers seize this opportunity to demonstrate their talent, character and competitive spirit, and many go on to represent the West Indies at the highest levels of the game."
Gill emphasized that success extends beyond victories and statistics.
"This tournament is about much more than results. It is an opportunity for our players to experience high-performance environments, compete under pressure and continue building the skills and habits required for international cricket. We look forward to another exciting championship and wish all six teams every success."
Opening round promises immediate rivalries
Defending champions Barbados begin the defense of their title against the Windward Islands at Bethesda Playing Field, while Jamaica opens its campaign against the host Leeward Islands at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
The remaining opening-day fixture will feature Trinidad and Tobago taking on Guyana at Liberta Sports Club.
Each team will contest five preliminary-round matches before the two highest-placed sides advance to the championship final at Liberta Sports Club on July 22.
The remaining teams will compete in placement matches to determine the final standings.
Preparing players for international cricket
The championship has been designed to provide far more than competitive cricket.
Alongside the on-field action, participants will take part in Anti-Corruption and Player Development workshops, reflecting Cricket West Indies' commitment to producing well-rounded professionals equipped for the responsibilities of modern international cricket.
The combination of elite competition and educational development continues to make the Rising Stars Championship one of the region's most important stepping stones for aspiring professionals.
Eleven days that could shape the future
Every match will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time, with fans able to follow the tournament live through the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, while live scoring, match reports and daily updates will be available throughout the competition.
For many of the players taking the field this week, the championship represents more than another youth tournament. It is an opportunity to impress national selectors, earn future West Indies honors and continue the journey toward wearing the maroon at the highest level.
With six proud territories chasing one title and dozens of ambitious young cricketers eager to announce themselves, the stage is set for another compelling chapter in the development of Caribbean cricket.
Tournament schedule
Round 1 – Saturday, July 11
- Leeward Islands vs Jamaica — Coolidge Cricket Ground
- Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana — Liberta Sports Club
- Windward Islands vs Barbados — Bethesda Playing Field
Round 2 – Monday, July 13
- Trinidad and Tobago vs Windward Islands — Coolidge Cricket Ground
- Leeward Islands vs Barbados — Liberta Sports Club
- Jamaica vs Guyana — Bethesda Playing Field
Round 3 – Wednesday, July 15
- Barbados vs Guyana — Coolidge Cricket Ground
- Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica — Liberta Sports Club
- Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands — Bethesda Playing Field
Round 4 – Saturday, July 18
- Leeward Islands vs Guyana — Liberta Sports Club
- Trinidad and Tobago vs Barbados — Piggots
- Windward Islands vs Jamaica — Bethesda Playing Field
Round 5 – Monday, July 20
- Windward Islands vs Guyana — Piggots
- Trinidad and Tobago vs Leeward Islands — Liberta Sports Club
- Jamaica vs Barbados — Bethesda Playing Field
Championship & Placement Matches – Wednesday, July 22
- 1st vs 2nd — Liberta Sports Club
- 3rd vs 4th — Bethesda Playing Field
- 5th vs 6th — Piggots
