CWI champions bold continental vision with FECA launch

ST JOHN’S, Antigua — In a visionary step to expand cricket’s footprint across the Western Hemisphere, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its leadership in forming a ground-breaking new regional body: La Federación de Críquet de las Américas (FECA).

- Advertisement -

The federation will serve as a collaborative platform to harness the rapidly growing enthusiasm for cricket in North, Central, and South America. As the only ICC Full Member in the hemisphere, CWI will assume a stewardship role—guiding development, facilitating partnerships, and aligning the region under a unified vision for growth.

Shallow: “A pivotal step for cricket in the Americas”

The move follows an official visit to Lima, Peru, by CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow, who emphasized the strategic importance of regional integration in the sport.

“This marks a pivotal step in advancing cricket across the Americas,” Dr. Shallow declared.
“Cricket West Indies embraces its responsibility not only to the Caribbean but to the wider region. We recognise the importance of structure, collaboration, and a unified vision to unlock the immense potential that exists throughout the Americas.”

Dehring: Growth for all, strength for the West Indies

CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring reinforced the broader implications of the initiative, linking the development of cricket across the Americas with the long-term vitality of West Indies cricket itself.

“Our efforts to expand cricket must redound positively to each country under our remit,” he explained. “This growth will not only uplift national programmes but will also strengthen West Indies cricket by broadening our base, increasing opportunities, and deepening our regional relevance.”

Broward-County-Fastrac-728x90

Dehring pointed to the flourishing cricketing ecosystems in nations like Brazil, which boasts 72,000 registered players, a majority of whom are women under professional contracts. Countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina are also demonstrating strong growth, signaling a readiness for deeper engagement.

Bascombe: Expanding the game, expanding horizons

CWI’s Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe highlighted the tangible benefits of integrating teams from across the Americas into existing CWI tournaments.

“Including teams from the Americas in our tournaments brings clear mutual benefits,” he stated.
“It expands our competitions, giving our players more games and exposure to unfamiliar opposition, while providing valuable match experience for developing teams in the region.”

- Advertisement -
Uber Free Rides 728x90

He added that this engagement would foster capacity building by creating new opportunities for players, staff, coaches, and officials, while enriching the region’s collective knowledge and competitiveness.

Currently, two youth teams from the United States are participating in CWI’s Rising Stars Under-19 tournament in St. Kitts, marking the beginning of what CWI hopes will be a long and fruitful regional integration.

Lima and beyond: Strategic pathways to the Olympics

Momentum continues to build as CWI prepares to send four Caribbean senior national teams to Lima, Peru, in November for the Bolivarian Games — an historic first for cricket and a symbolic entry into the broader South American sporting movement.

Looking ahead to 2027, cricket will feature in the Pan American Games, further aligning with its return to the Olympic Games. Caribbean nations with Olympic accreditation will have the opportunity to compete on an international stage, marking a defining moment for the sport’s global evolution.

 

More Stories

St. Vincent passes legislation allowing public servants to contest elections without fear of job loss

Gonsalves unleashes fierce attack on CWI, calls body ‘neocolonial’

A sharp and deeply political confrontation is intensifying across Caribbean cricket, as former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves delivered a...
Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey

Jamaica eyes ice hockey glory as Challenger Series squad takes shape

With ambition sharpened and talent drawn from across multiple continents, the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation has unveiled the core group of players tasked with restoring...
Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant chases Violette as Caribbean rankings hold firm

In a region often overshadowed by North America’s football powerhouses, stability, not upheaval, defines the latest CONCACAF Club Rankings. Haiti’s Violette AC continues to set...
Shanoya Douglas

Sprint queen Shanoya Douglas delivers historic statement as Jamaica extends CARIFTA reign to 40 years

On a final day defined by brilliance, Shanoya Douglas delivered a performance for the ages, one that not only rewrote the record books but...
CARIFTA Aquatics

Bahamas tighten grip on CARIFTA Aquatics as overall lead grows

A dramatic shift in the girls’ standings could not slow The Bahamas’ march toward supremacy, as they widened their overall lead at the close...
Shanoya Douglas

Jamaica tightens grip on CARIFTA as Douglas powers U20 relay gold charge

Jamaica strengthened its hold atop the standings after Sunday’s action at the 53rd CARIFTA Games, building a commanding lead heading into the final day...
West Indies Breakout League

Breakout League in jeopardy as CWI awaits crucial sponsorship lifeline

ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The future of the Breakout T20 League now hangs in a delicate balance, with Cricket West Indies (CWI) conceding that...
guyana harpy eagles cricket

Guyana Harpy Eagles selection row explained as Sarwan details discipline issues

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — After days of speculation and mounting public debate, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has offered a detailed explanation for several high-profile omissions...
Kishane Thompson

Kishane Thompson rewrites history as Jamaica dominates Miramar showcase

The spotlight belonged firmly to Kishane Thompson, who produced a performance for the ages at the Miramar Invitational, shattering a long-standing benchmark in one...

22 medals and counting! Jamaica sets the pace at CARIFTA opener

Jamaica surged to the top of the standings after the opening day of the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Stadium, assembling an...

Latest Articles