KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Caribbean CAGE have unveiled a ground-breaking 10-year partnership poised to revolutionize cricket in the Caribbean.
The landmark deal, expected to generate nearly $100 million, represents a transformative moment for the development of cricket across the region and promises significant economic benefits for participating CARICOM nations.
A strategic alliance for the ages
The historic agreement, signed by Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, and Robert B. Washington, Co-Founder and Chairman of Caribbean CAGE, is the result of meticulous planning and extensive consultation. Endorsed by eight CARICOM governments, the deal not only ensures substantial funding for cricket development but also bolsters tax revenues for the region’s governments.
Dr. Shallow emphasized the deliberate and inclusive nature of the process, stating:
“This partnership is the culmination of extensive dialogue and strategic planning to secure the future of West Indies Cricket. We have been deliberate in our approach, engaging stakeholders at various levels, including with the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket, to ensure the broadest consultation on such a pivotal agreement.”
He underscored the far-reaching impact of the collaboration, adding: “The resources generated through this collaboration will not only empower the development of our men’s and women’s teams but also strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across the region. It reflects our shared commitment to rebuilding West Indies Cricket as a global powerhouse and a unifying force for the Caribbean.”
Cricket as a catalyst for regional transformation
Caribbean CAGE, a leading operator of video lottery and gaming terminals as well as licensed sports betting, is at the forefront of this innovative partnership. Co-Founder Robert L. Johnson highlighted the profound socio-economic impact of the agreement, calling it a game-changer for the Caribbean.
“CAGE is elated to be a part of an arrangement that goes way beyond the development of a game. This agreement will go a long way to positively altering the lives of the people of the region, creating greater socio-economic opportunities for all citizens through the game of cricket, which has long been recognized as the region’s metaphor for development,” Johnson said.
He continued, “Cricket has brought great glory and recognition to the people of the region, but by so doing it has also created a platform for positive development that this pact fortifies. The CARICOM countries in which we operate will also benefit financially from legalized gaming revenue, increasing their ability to support additional educational, sporting, and cultural activities for their citizens.”
A bold vision for West Indies cricket
Caribbean CAGE CEO Bob Washington, who boasts over four decades of experience working within the region, also expressed confidence in the agreement’s potential.
“West Indies Cricket, through this tripartite agreement and understanding, would go a long way to once again ruling the cricketing world,” Washington declared.
He praised the deal as a technological and commercial first for the Caribbean, emphasizing its potential to address longstanding issues in the gaming sector.
“The novel deal and technological first in Sports Betting and iGaming for the region will aid and assist the region in eliminating the large grey market and unlicensed operators who take bets and pay prizes in the Caribbean Community without paying taxes or gaming license fees to the governments of the Caribbean Community,” Washington said.
Set to take effect on April 1, 2025, the agreement is projected to be the largest commercial deal ever signed by Cricket West Indies. With its ambitious vision and substantial financial backing, the partnership marks the dawn of an exciting era for cricket in the Caribbean.
 and Caribbean CAGE have unveiled a ground-breaking 10-year partnership poised to revolutionize cricket){kind=link}