Kensington Oval set for early handover as Barbados accelerates preparations for ICC T20 World Cup

Barbados is on track to hand over Kensington Oval ahead of schedule, as preparations accelerate for hosting nine matches – including the final – of this year's ICC T20 World Cup.

Ambassador Noel Lynch, chairman of the National Organising Committee, announced during a media conference that major elements of the iconic venue would be delivered to tournament authorities next week, with the remaining elements to be completed by the end of the month.

With the final just 80 days away, Lynch highlighted the progress, stating, "In seven days we'll hand over Kensington Oval to the CWI or the ICC – these are the main elements of Kensington Oval as we know it."

Set to host a total of nine matches

He elaborated further, indicating that facilities such as the 3Ws, Greenidge and Haynes stands, the Media Centre, the field of play, scoreboards, and electronic boards would all be finished within the week and handed over.

Barbados is set to host a total of nine matches, with five in the group stage, three in the Super Eight second stage, and the final on June 29. This will mark the third ICC marquee game to be staged at Kensington Oval, following the historic ODI World Cup in 2007 and the 2010 T20 World Cup.

While the West Indies team will not feature in any group stage games at the Oval, a highly anticipated match between reigning T20 World champions England and Australia is scheduled for June 8, promising to be a box office fixture.