West Indies makes Test cricket free for all Caribbean children
Key Points(5)
- In an unprecedented move that merges passion with policy, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has flung open the gates of Test cricket to every child in the Caribbean—free of charge.
- Whether at the storied Kensington Oval in Barbados, the picturesque Grenada National Stadium, or historic Sabina Park in Jamaica, young fans will be able to witness the West Indies-Australia Test series next month without paying a cent.
- This bold new direction was unveiled during the official launch of the “WI Home – Full Ah Energy” campaign at Kensington Oval, where CWI’s new CEO, Chris Dehring, declared that attending Test cricket is no longer a privilege—it is a right.
- “At CWI, we believe it is a human right for every child to have access to Test cricket.
- To be able to come to Test cricket it’s a human right in the Caribbean,” Dehring proclaimed to thunderous applause.
In an unprecedented move that merges passion with policy, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has flung open the gates of Test cricket to every child in the Caribbean—free of charge.
Whether at the storied Kensington Oval in Barbados, the picturesque Grenada National Stadium, or historic Sabina Park in Jamaica, young fans will be able to witness the West Indies-Australia Test series next month without paying a cent.
This bold new direction was unveiled during the official launch of the “WI Home – Full Ah Energy” campaign at Kensington Oval, where CWI’s new CEO, Chris Dehring, declared that attending Test cricket is no longer a privilege—it is a right.
“At CWI, we believe it is a human right for every child to have access to Test cricket. To be able to come to Test cricket it’s a human right in the Caribbean,” Dehring proclaimed to thunderous applause.
Emphasizing the transformative power of sport and culture, Dehring explained that the initiative isn’t just about attendance; it’s about redefining access and inclusion.
“You don’t need a ticket, it is your right. A ticket is something for paid patrons, not your right, and if it is a right of our children, then it is the duty of our parents and our associations and our governments and every adult to ensure that our children have access to that right.”
A new era for West Indies cricket
The initiative is the centerpiece of a revitalized strategy aimed at restoring vibrancy and crowd engagement in regional cricket, especially at the Test level. With Australia’s formidable side set to tour the Caribbean, the timing couldn’t be more perfect to energize the stands with youthful spirit and unfiltered joy.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow echoed Dehring’s vision, hailing the decision as a transformative moment for cricket across the region.
“We, of course, are grateful to our new policy established by our new CEO that every single kid across the Caribbean will be able to attend our matches absolutely free,” said Dr. Shallow. “No more do you need a ticket, you just walk to the stadium and once you are a child,d you will get free access to the venues.”
The stands, the spirit, the support
Dr. Shallow emphasized that the move was not only about the future of the game but also about supporting the players in the present. With packed stadiums, the hope is that players can feed off the electrifying energy of thousands of young fans cheering from the stands.
“…We are going to be there rallying with those players on the field. It’s critical that the players have our support, they are putting in the work preparing to represent us, but we have to fight and battle with them.”
The “Full Ah Energy” campaign isn’t just a marketing slogan—it’s a cultural awakening. It's a call for families to bring their children, not just to the cricket but into the heart of Caribbean sporting heritage.
By stripping away the financial barriers and infusing stadiums with youthful enthusiasm, CWI isn’t merely promoting Test cricket—they’re securing its legacy.
In the Caribbean, cricket isn’t just a game, it’s identity. And now, it belongs to every child.
