ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) used the stage of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual conference, held July 17–20 in Singapore, to lay out an ambitious plan for accelerating the sport’s growth across the Western Hemisphere.
The gathering, which brought together ICC full members and representatives from cricket associations across the Americas—including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Bermuda, and The Bahamas—provided the perfect backdrop for CWI’s sweeping vision of regional unity and development.
A new federation for a growing game
Central to CWI’s presentation was the proposed establishment of La Federación de Críquet de las Américas (FECA), a new governing body designed to formalize relationships, foster collaboration, and create a unified platform for advancing the sport throughout the Americas.
CWI CEO Chris Dehring declared that West Indies cricket, as the hemisphere’s sole ICC Full Member, is determined to lead this transformation.
“Elevating the sport in the wider hemisphere benefits us all,” said Dehring. “By connecting the emerging markets in the Americas with our own established structures, we can efficiently create more competition, matches and exposure at every level for both ICC associate member countries and countries under the aegis of Cricket West Indies.”
Surging popularity across the hemisphere
The proposal comes at a time of remarkable growth in the region. Brazil now boasts 88,000 registered players, more than half of whom are women, while the United States has surged past 400,000 players, including 53,000 youths engaged in structured programs.
This explosion of participation underscores the urgency—and the potential—of building a framework that supports and connects the game across national borders.
Pathways to global stages
CWI also highlighted opportunities for regional players to access international platforms, including qualification pathways for both the Olympic Games and the Pan American Games. A marquee initiative under discussion is the creation of an Americas Championship, modeled after cricket’s Asia Cup, where Caribbean nations could compete individually against teams from North, Central, and South America.
Dehring emphasized the importance of ensuring fair access for all nations, particularly as cricket makes its long-awaited return to the Olympic stage.
“Caribbean countries will not be sidelined as cricket returns to the Olympics. Our 15 proud nations deserve a fair pathway to compete, reflecting the true spirit of inclusion and opportunity that the Olympic Games represent.”
Strengthening nations, strengthening the West Indies
Dehring also stressed the significance of Caribbean nations competing independently, arguing that the visibility and recognition of national teams would inspire greater governmental investment and fan support.
“Our individual countries competing for a place in the Olympic spotlight is an opportunity for their respective Governments to show tangible support for their national teams while flying their individual national flags. It is an unprecedented opportunity because building stronger national teams will ultimately result in a stronger West Indies team,” he said.
With FECA on the horizon and cricket in the Americas thriving as never before, CWI’s call for unity and innovation marks a defining moment for the sport in the hemisphere.
 used the stage of the ICC annual conference to lay out an ambitious plan for accelerating the sport’s growth.){kind=link}