West Indies Academy heads to Sri Lanka for crucial development mission

The future of West Indies cricket will be under the spotlight this month as a 16-member West Indies Academy squad embarks on a developmental tour of Sri Lanka, where the region’s brightest young prospects will face a stern examination in some of the sport’s most demanding conditions.

Running from June 3 to June 27, the tour will pit the Academy side against the Sri Lanka Emerging Players in a five-match, multi-format series comprising two four-day fixtures and three 50-over contests.

For Cricket West Indies, the assignment represents far more than a competitive series. It is another strategic investment in preparing the next generation of international cricketers for the demands of the highest level.

Building on a productive partnership

The upcoming series continues a growing cricketing relationship between the two development programs.

Last year, Sri Lanka’s Emerging Team traveled to Antigua for a closely fought series that produced encouraging results for both sides. The teams split the two four-day matches, while the West Indies Academy secured a 2-1 victory in the three-match one-day series.

Now the Caribbean contingent will make the return journey, trading familiar conditions for a challenging subcontinental environment that has historically tested visiting West Indian teams.

The tour is designed to expose players to unfamiliar pitches, different tactical demands, and the pressures that accompany overseas competition, experiences viewed as essential components of their long-term development.

Proven prospects lead the squad

The traveling party features a strong core of players who have progressed through the Academy system and are already beginning to make their mark on the regional game.

Among the most experienced members are Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, and Zishan Motara, all of whom have previously earned senior West Indies recognition.

The squad also provides opportunities for several rising talents. With Ackeem Auguste currently involved with the senior West Indies team and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett unavailable due to personal reasons, Kevlon Anderson, Shaqkere Parris, and Johann Jeremiah have been called upon to gain valuable international developmental exposure.

Leading the side will be captain Rivaldo Clarke, who heads a group assembled to combine competitive ambition with long-term player growth.

Tough conditions, valuable lessons

Academy Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe emphasized that the tour aligns directly with the Academy's broader mission of preparing players for the next phase of their careers.

“Our Academy objective is simple, to develop players into the next level of their careers, and tours like this play a key part in that journey,” Subasinghe said. “Sri Lanka has historically been one of the toughest places for West Indian teams. This tour represents the perfect platform to immerse our brightest emerging talent in conditions that will truly test and shape them.”

The coach also pointed to the tangible benefits generated by previous Academy tours and international exchanges.

“Last year we hosted a highly competitive home series against Sri Lanka in Antigua, and four players from that squad have since gone on to represent the West Indies senior men's team, with many others earning regional franchise and CPL opportunities,” he added.

Those outcomes underscore the Academy's growing role as a key stepping stone toward professional and international cricket.

Long-term vision remains the priority

For Cricket West Indies, the tour forms part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.

High-Performance Manager Dwain Gill described the series as a critical component of the organization's long-term planning.

“This tour is an extremely important component of our long-term development pathway programme as we continue to invest in the future of West Indies cricket,” Gill said. “Opportunities like these allow our emerging players to experience competitive international environments, adapt to unfamiliar conditions and further develop the technical, tactical and mental skills required at the highest level of the game.”

His comments reflect Cricket West Indies' increasing emphasis on creating meaningful international experiences for young players before they transition into senior cricket.

Experienced support structure in place

The Academy's management group has also been strengthened for the tour.

Joining the coaching staff is Ryan Hercules, who will serve as an assistant coach alongside Rohan Nurse. Hercules brings additional experience and insight after his work with the regional franchise system.

The full management unit will be led by Head Coach Subasinghe and includes physiotherapist Shanique Peters, strength and conditioning coach Hance Richards, and team manager Clint St. Hill.

Their task will be to ensure the players maximize every learning opportunity both on and off the field.

Journey through Sri Lanka

The tour will begin in Hambantota, where both four-day matches will be contested at the Mahindra Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

The Academy side will then move to Colombo for the limited-overs portion of the series, with the three one-day matches scheduled at the Sinhalese Cricket Club and Nondescripts Cricket Club grounds.

All fixtures will be played under standard International Cricket Council playing conditions, providing an environment that closely mirrors the professional international game.

More than a series

While victories will undoubtedly be welcomed, the broader success of the tour will ultimately be measured by growth, adaptation, and development.

For many members of this squad, the coming weeks will represent their first sustained exposure to overseas cricket in Asia. The experience will challenge their techniques, test their resilience, and deepen their understanding of the game.

Just as importantly, it could serve as the launching pad for the next wave of West Indies internationals.

If recent history is any guide, several players returning from Sri Lanka may soon find themselves taking the next step, from Academy prospect to senior West Indies representative.

Touring party

Leading the squad is captain Rivaldo Clarke, who will oversee a group featuring a blend of established Academy players and emerging prospects eager to make their mark on the international stage.

Squad: Rivaldo Clarke (Captain), Kevlon Anderson, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Giovonte Depeiza, Mavendra Dindyal, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Johann Jeremiah, Shaqkere Parris, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pitman and Raneico Smith.

The players will be supported by an experienced management unit tasked with overseeing technical preparation, physical conditioning, player welfare, and overall tour operations.

Management team: Head Coach – Ramesh Subasinghe, Assistant Coach – Rohan Nurse, Assistant Coach – Ryan Hercules, Physiotherapist – Shanique Peters, Strength & Conditioning Coach – Hance Richards, and Manager – Clint St. Hill.

Match schedule

The Academy's tour itinerary will take the team from Hambantota to Colombo across the month-long assignment:

• June 8-11: First Four-Day Match – Mahindra Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
• June 15-18: Second Four-Day Match – Mahindra Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
• June 22: First 50-Over Match – Sinhalese Cricket Club, Colombo
• June 24: Second 50-Over Match – Sinhalese Cricket Club, Colombo
• June 26: Third 50-Over Match – Nondescripts Cricket Club, Colombo