West Indian umpires Nigel Duguid and Patrick Gustard have been named among match officials appointed for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for January 19 to February 11, in South Africa.

Both Duguid and Gustard are among 16 officials that will stand in games during the youth showpiece which will be played across five venues.

Duguid, 54, has already stood in one Test 15 One-Day Internationals and 44 Twenty20 Internationals, while featuring as television umpire in 36 men’s senior internationals. He will be involved in the January 20 contest between reigning champions India and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Gustard, 52, has never stood in a Test nor a men’s ODI, but has officiated in 29 T20 Internationals and served as TV official in further nine. The Jamaican will join Mick Burns on field for the January 21 encounter between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Sean Easey, ICC’s manager for Umpires and Referees said the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a very important event in the ICC calendar for both players and officials alike.

“It has long been considered a platform for future stars of the sport to make a name for themselves and for many of the participating players in this year’s edition, it is their first taste of competing on the world stage," he said.

“Similarly, it is an important development event for the umpire pathway also. A diverse and motivated team of international match officials has been appointed, and I am confident that they will do an excellent job. I wish them the very best of luck across their time in South Africa," Easey added.

West Indies, winners of the tournament eight years ago, will do battle in Group B alongside South Africa, England and Scotland, and will open their campaign against the hosts at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom next Friday.

In preparation, they face New Zealand at Braamfischer Oval in Gauteng on Sunday in their first official warm-up, before taking on Nepal at St Stithians in Johannesburg next Wednesday.

West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite says he’s pleased with the team’s preparation ahead of the first Test against Australia set to begin on Tuesday in Adelaide.

The tourists played to a draw in their lone three-day warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI on Friday.

“We as a team are very pleased. The facilities here are outstanding and the boys made good use of it,” the skipper said in an interview after Friday’s final day.

The team had some excellent individual performances throughout the three days including Brathwaite himself getting 52 in the first innings.

He didn’t bat in the second, however, giving the opportunity to wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva to get some time out in the middle at the top of the order. Da Silva grabbed it with both hands, producing a well-composed 105.

“Felt good. It was important for Joshua to get some batting in the second innings so it was a very good game for us,” Brathwaite said.

Brathwaite also singled out the performances of Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge in the game. Greaves had scores of 65 and 41* and took two wickets in the match while Hodge had scores of 52 and 99.

“He’s a quality cricketer. I’m not surprised by what he did and I look forward to his future in West Indies cricket,” he said of Greaves.

“Very pleased with the hunger he showed to come again in the second innings and do it. That’s what we want in this team,” Brathwaite said about Hodge.

The team has been in Australia since late December, something Brathwaite believes has helped them to better acclimatize to the conditions.

“I think it’s very good. We would have flown a number of hours to get here so I think initially getting here and getting accustomed to the time zone and getting over jet lag was quite important,” he said.

“Having the time, as well, to practice here in Adelaide and get accustomed to the pitches and stuff was great for us,” he added.

“Quite clear,” was Brathwaite’s response to questions about the XI for the first Test.

“Very happy with how all the guys went about this camp and this game and, obviously, it’s time next week to make the West Indies proud,” he said.

Joshua Da Silva wrapped up West Indies' on-field preparations to cross swords with Australia in a two-Test series by hitting a century in their drawn three-day warm-up contest against a Cricket Australia XI in Adelaide.

Kavem Hodge, who is one of seven uncapped players in the 15-man squad, did his chances of a debut no harm with 99, before being bowled by spinner Doug Warren agonisingly close to reaching three figures. Hodge was desperately unlucky when a ball spun out of the rough, hit the right-hander's back leg and bounced onto the stumps.

Another uncapped player, Justin Greaves hit an unbeaten 41 to go with his first-innings 65, which helped West Indies to 315-5 declared in their second visit to the middle, and a sizeable lead of 392. However, they were unable to complete what would have been a confidence-boosting victory, as Cricket Australia held firm for the stalemate at 149-5.

Scores: West Indies 251 for 8 (Greaves 65, Hodge 52, Brathwaite 52) and 315 for 5 dec (Da Silva 105, Hodge 99) drew with Cricket Australia XI 174 (Ward 50) and 149 for 5 (Sinclair 3-38)

There do, however, remain some concerns for the Caribbean side, as Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, the men likely to bat numbers three and four, both failed again. McKenzie only mustered scores of 23 and nine, while Athanaze went without scoring in the first innings and posted only 15 in the second.

West Indies need more out of the pair in the upcoming two-Test series -which will be contested for the Frank Worrell Trophy as part of the ICC Test Championships -given they are likely to field debutants in Hodge and Greaves at numbers five and six.

The CA XI were able to hold on for 39 overs to draw the game. West Indies off-spinning all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, famous for his somersault celebrations after wickets, claimed three wickets for 38 runs. That will help his case for a Test call-up, as he battles with Greaves for a spot in the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side.

Still, with all of seven uncapped players in their 15-man squad, the possibility exists that Head coach Andre Coley will have to play at least three debutants against a formidable Australia outfit at Adelaide Oval

That lack of top-level experience highlights the predicament Test cricket finds itself in, with Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers the latest West Indies players to prioritise Twenty20 leagues over the five-day format.

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva is thankful for some time in the middle as he aims to produce a better performance than he did when the West Indies toured Australia from November-December 2022.

During those two Tests, Da Silva had scores of 0 and 12 in Perth and 23 and 15 in Adelaide.

“Just trying to use the experience that I got last year. Didn’t do too great so I just want to do better than I did and get some runs on the board and keep well. Once I’m doing well hopefully the team is doing well and everybody chips in,” he said in an interview after day two of the West Indies’ three-day warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI at the Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.

The West Indies will enter the third and final day on 137-3 from 35 overs, leading the Aussies by 214.

Da Silva, who opened the batting in the second innings after batting seventh in the first, is unbeaten on 55 while Kavem Hodge, who got 52 in the first innings, is on 44.

“It was nice to get some time in the middle of course. Kraigg (Brathwaite) just asked me if I would like to the top and just have some time in the middle and luckily I took advantage of it and was able to get some time out there,” Da Silva said.

Of the 15 men in the West Indies Test squad, Da Silva is one of only four alongside Kemar Roach, Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Alzarri Joseph to have played at least 10 Test matches.

In fact, the first Test, set to start on Tuesday in Adelaide, will be Da Silva’s 25^th.

He said he enjoys being a source of information for the new members of the squad.

“It’s nice to be somebody they can ask questions about Test cricket. I’m still learning from them as well. Always good learning on the job and nice to lend my expertise as well,” he said.

Shamar Joseph’s rise from first-class debutant to a potential Test cap has been nothing short of remarkable.

The 24-year-old, who worked for a security firm prior to his switch to professional cricket, made his first-class debut in February 2023 for the Guyana Harpy Eagles against the Barbados Pride.

Joseph played in just three games and took nine wickets to help the Harpy Eagles lift the West Indies Championship title for the sixth time in eight years.

Though his numbers may not have been that impressive, he showed enough promise to be selected as part of the West Indies A squad for their tour of South Africa in December.

The South Africans won the series 2-1 but it was a coming out party for Joseph who was the joint leading wicket taker for the West Indians with 12 wickets at an average of 21.25 and a strike rate of 34.50.

That performance led to him being selected in the West Indies squad for their upcoming two-Test series against the mighty Australia.

“It’s amazing for me to be honest, knowing that I’ve been putting in a lot of work back at home and now getting the rewards for it, it’s been really nice for me,” Joseph said in an interview after day two of the West Indies’ three-day warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI.

The first Test bowls off in Adelaide on Tuesday and there is a decent chance Joseph will be earning his maiden Test cap.

If he does end up making his debut, he will be hoping to make his family proud.

“They will watch and they will support. I know that support is out there for me so I will definitely do my best to make them proud,” he said.

He credits West Indian greats including the likes of Sir Curtley Ambrose and Courtney Walsh as his main inspirations as a fast bowler.

“I was intrigued by a lot of fast bowlers back then like Sir Curtley (Ambrose) and Courtney Walsh and these men so, I really love it. That works for me so I just continue doing that and it brings success for me,” he said before going into what he feels makes him successful as a fast bowler.

“I just adjust to conditions. Just stick to the basics and be consistent as much as I can. I just try to bowl fuller when the ball is doing much for me,” he said.

Joseph took 2-28 from his eight overs to help the West Indies restrict Cricket Australia XI to 174 in their first innings.

He bowled a few no-balls but he put this down to a bit of nerves.

“I think I was a bit too fast getting to the crease. I just had to adjust my self and get back to my rhythm and that worked well for me today,” he said.

The West currently lead by 214 runs heading into the final day on Friday and Joseph says he’s ready to go if needed.

“I’m just ready to go. Always prepared to fight the war ahead of me,” he said.

Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, expects David Warner will be available to play in three T20Is against West Indies in February despite the series clashing with the ILT20 tournament where he is contracted to captain Dubai Capitals.

Warner has retired from Test and ODI cricket for Australia but is committed to playing in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and US during June.

Warner is planning to play in the ILT20 which begins on January 19, just after the home and away portion of the BBL has concluded with his side Sydney Thunder set to miss finals which avoids a schedule clash.

The tournament runs until February 17 but the three T20Is against West Indies start on February 9 and finish on February 13.

It was thought that Warner would miss those matches in order to play in the entire ILT20 despite still holding a Cricket Australia contract and that he would return for the following series against New Zealand in New Zealand that starts on February 21.

But Bailey said Warner is set to be selected for the West Indies series and will be expected to play.

"He'll be part of those T20 matches at the back end of the summer and in New Zealand as well," he said.

Bailey confirmed that CA contracted players, which Warner will be until the end of June, are expected to play for Australia when selected and won't be granted NOCs to play in other leagues at the same time.

"I think that's the same with all our Australian contracted players. If they're going to be selected in a squad then they're available," Bailey said.

"If they're not then it depends on what sort of domestic cricket responsibilities they have. So, I think [Warner] had flagged that as potentially one of the reasons why he has made the decision to retire from one-day cricket but we're still really excited about what he can provide for that T20 team and hoping he can add one more major trophy to his cabinet."

Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph took two wickets apiece as West Indies showed they are in Australia for a fight with a spirited display on day two of their warm-up match against Cricket Australia's XI in Adelaide.

Having struggled with the bat first-up, West Indies seamers produced a dynamic bowling spell of six for 22 to restrict their opponents to a mere 174 at Karen Rolton Oval.

However, their shortcomings in the batting department were again full display in Thursday's afternoon session, as top-order batsmen Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie, much like they did in the first innings, again fell cheaply.

It took an unbeaten knock of 55 from wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua da Silva, who was promoted to opening duties, and Kavem Hodge's composed unbeaten 44 to steady the ship. Both showed some attacking flair, which saw the Caribbean side to 137 for 3 at stumps, a lead of 214 runs heading into the final day of the three-day contest.

SCORES: West Indies 251-8 dec and 137 for 3 (da Silva 55*, Hodge 44*, Haskett 2-39) lead Cricket Australia XI 174 (Ward 50, Hope 24, Roach 2-23, Shamar Joseph 2-28) by 214 runs

Things initially looked bleak for West Indies as Cricket Australia's XI cruised to 94-1, before the trio of seamers sliced through their batting card. Tim Ward, who struck seven boundaries in an even 50 at the top of the order, and Bradley Hope with 24, offered most resistance to West Indies' attack.

Shamar Joseph, who is one of seven uncapped players in the 15-man squad, gave Head coach Andre Coley a hint of his readiness for a Test debut in the upcoming two-match series against Australia. He was on-song with crafty swing bowling and vicious short balls, as he snared two wickets for 28 runs. One of his wickets came on a gorgeous in-swinger that smashed the top of Teague Wyllie's off stump.

Meanwhile, Roach improved in his second spell of the day to finish with two wickets for 23 runs from his nine overs, while fellow paceman Alzarri Joseph took two wickets for 40 runs.

Chanderpaul, who made 17 in his side's first innings, pushed a loose Liam Haskett delivery he didn't need to play, straight to gully to fall for his second-innings duck. McKenzie's dismissal was just as avoidable, softly chipping Haskett straight to midwicket.

Alick Athanaze improved on his first innings duck with 15, but failed to push on, as he holed out to Wyllie from Liam Scott's bowling.

There is no doubt that half-century knocks by Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves in the ongoing three-day warm-up match against Cricket Australia’s XI, have put them at the front of the line to earn their first Test cap, but both remain grounded and focused on the immediate task at hand.

In fact, while both admit that it would be a dream come through to earn their first Test cap in the upcoming two-match series against Australia, they were quick to point out that readiness will be key should Head coach Andre Coley call upon them.

Greaves and Hodge, who are among seven uncapped players in the 15-man squad Down Under, posted scores of 65 and 52 respectively, on the first day of the warm-up contest to assist West Indies to 251-8 declared in Adelaide. Cricket Australia's XI were 52-1 at the time of writing.

After captain Kraigg Brathwaite scored 52 at the top, the Caribbean side lost wickets in quick succession, before Greaves and Hodges anchored the innings with a 120-run, fifth wicket stand, which unfortunately, was followed by another collapse.

Still, Greaves, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury took the positives from the innings, which obviously was his partnership with Hodge.

“It has been an enjoyable one (journey); sometimes plagued by injury, but you know, just try to make the most of it when you get opportunity on the field. So, to be on my first Test tour is great and I'm really looking forward to it. Spending some time with Kevin in the middle last season as well, gave me a bit of confidence up in the middle and our thing is always just try to be as positive as possible,” Greaves said.

The 29-year-old right hand batsman, while declaring that he still enjoys bowling, pointed out that even with runs on the board, it offered very little comfort about whether or not he will get the nod next week.

“No, not really. Just taking it one game at a time. You know, coming here, you just wanted to be able to get into your work and if you're selected for that first Test, you know, just make sure you're prepared,” the Barbados-born Greaves said.

“Anyone coming up in the Caribbean playing cricket, dreams of playing Test, so if I'm selected for the first Test, receiving a cap is always a very big thing. So, for me, being in this group, I've played with most of the guys as I've been travelling a bit in the Caribbean, but I am just trying to enjoy my game as much as possible,” he added.

The Dominican-born Hodge, 30, echoed similar sentiments.

“It was really nice to get some time out in the middle, as a batsman you know that is worth its weight in gold, so I'm really happy for that.

“The partnership with Justin, we understand each other's game pretty well; obviously spending some time in the middle at this level is pretty good and we're really happy for that. It's just unfortunate that we couldn't push on and bat out the rest of the day. But you know, you know, we have a lot of positives from that inning,” Hodge shared.

And like Greaves, Hodge remained modest when asked if he believes the opportunity to possibly earn his first Test cap comes at a time when he is ready.

“Yeah, I'm a firm believer that everything happens on its own timing and what's meant to be, will be. For me, it's just a matter of being ready, whenever that time comes and you know, control what I can control. So, like I said, my big, my biggest thing is just preparing and making the most of whenever the opportunity is there,” the right-hand batsman, who also bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin, declared.

“It would mean a lot to me, obviously, you know, as a little boy growing up, I wanted to play Test cricket, so it's been a dream of mine, and it would definitely be a dream come true. So, until then, you know I'm keeping my fingers crossed and just try and be ready for it,” Hodge ended.

West Indies' batting frailties were again exposed, as they stumbled against an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI on the first of a three-day warm-up match in Adelaide.

Despite getting some positive starts, West Indies batsmen were unable to push on against a CA XI that does not feature any players with Test experience, which basically underscores the Caribbean side's chances, or lack thereof, heading into the first Test against Australia next week.

Scores: West Indies 251 for 8 (Greaves 65, Hodge 52, Brathwaite 52, Haskett 3-57) vs Cricket Australia XI

After opting to take first strike on a dry Karen Rolton wicket, captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who showed class in their previous Test Down Under last summer, led from the front with his 52 at the top.

Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves, both showed Head coach Andre Coley that they are ready for a Test debut, as they scored 52 and 62 respectively.

But amidst the positives, were also concerns for the Regional side. Top-order batters Kirk McKenzie (23) and Alick Athanaze (zero) were both bounced out, in dismissals that will no doubt catch the attention of Australia's seamers.

Brathwaite's dismissal also raised eyebrows. He was caught trying to paddle-sweep Doug Warren in a half-hearted shot that capped a collapse of three wickets for three runs.

Another collapse of four wickets for eight runs, came late in the day around the second new ball, after Hodge and Greaves steadied the innings and took the score to 223 for 4.

Liam Haskett led the CA XI's bowling attack with three for 57, while rising New South Wales talent Jack Nisbet finished with two for 50, and Victorian spinner Warren claimed two for 47. Between them, the three bowlers have played a total of nine first-class matches.

That adds impetus to the genuine concerns over the form of the once-proud team from the Caribbean headed into the two-Test series. They will field at least three debutants in next Wednesday's first Test in Adelaide, with seven uncapped players in their 15-man squad.

Former captain Jason Holder and all-rounder Kyle Mayers both opted out of the tour to pursue Twenty20 opportunities.

West Indies were beaten convincingly in two Tests in Australia last summer, with only five players from that tour in the current squad.

West Indies Test head coach Andre Coley says they will be using the opening practice match on their tour of Australia to tighten up in both the batting and bowling departments, as they brace for what will be a tough two-match Test Series Down Under.

The Caribbean side’s preparations for the series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), will hit another gear when they engage a young Cricket Australia XI in a three-day, practice match at Karen Rolton Oval, on Wednesday.

Coley, working with a fairly inexperienced 15-man squad which boast seven uncapped players, expressed pleasure with how things are coming together, and is optimistic that his team can find success on this occasion. It has been well over 20 years since West Indies las won a Test series in Australia dating back to a 1992-93 series, which they won 2-1.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite is one of only five members of the squad returning to Australia, along with long-standing pacer Kemar Roach, vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva and opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The seven debutants are opener Zachary McCaskie, Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Kevin Sinclair, Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph.

“Everybody wants to do well here, whether they have had experience of playing here in the past, or it is their first trip. It has been a good experience watching them get over the jetlag and then get into the work, whatever it has been on a specific day, and the focus has been good,” Coley shared in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) interview ahead of the warm-up game.

The practice match does not have first-class status, which means both teams can rotate more than 11 players through their line-ups, and this provides Coley the opportunity to better observe the new players in action.

“When you think about Test matches, it’s really important that you are able to bat a day to be able to set up the game from a batting standpoint. On the flipside of that it’s pretty simple for me, if you can get the opposition out before the end of a day’s play, so for me, those are easy markers,” he said.

“How we go about it as a batting and bowling group is where it becomes more specific as it relates to the roles and the different skill sets that each player brings to the table. But we are looking to keep it really, really simple, and these are some of the markers that we are looking to get out of the game,” Coley added.

That said, Coley pointed to the progress made in their build up to the Test match. The first Test is scheduled for January 17 in Adelaide, with the second set to take place on January 25 at The Gabba.

“I am happy with the progress we have made. It has been a gradual adjustment (to the conditions), but at the end of the day, regardless of how the pitch plays and what response we get from the pitch when bowling, each player has to adapt to what is in front of him,” Coley declared.

He continued: “Sometimes the pitch has little to do with it, as opposed to being locked in to what is in front of you. I think we have covered that pretty well in the batting, and similarly, adjusting to bowling lengths and what we want to achieve.

“The ability to hit specific areas has been good, as well as getting a general feel for how the ball moves around in the atmosphere from a fielding standpoint, we have been able to spend some time on that.”

Andrew Strauss was persuaded to return to limited-overs international action and captain England’s tour of the West Indies on this day in 2009.

The England and Wales Cricket Board took the decision to put Strauss in total charge following a week of turmoil, which saw predecessor Kevin Pietersen resign and coach Peter Moores sacked.

Strauss was not a member of the original party to stay on after the four-Test series, having fallen out of favour.

He had last played a one-day game for England in April 2007, against West Indies, in what was Duncan Fletcher’s last match in charge.

But the tumultuous events left the selection panel no straightforward alternative candidates.

The only three men from within the original squad established enough in the side were Pietersen and fellow former captains Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood – both of whom had issues of their own and relinquished the role.

“I am delighted to lead the team in the one-day internationals and Twenty20s,” said Strauss at the time.

“I know I haven’t played an ODI since the end of the World Cup in 2007 but I do feel that I have something to offer in that form of the game.

“Now this situation has been resolved we can now all unite and get about the business of winning cricket matches for England and winning them consistently.”

Strauss announced his retirement from cricket in August 2012 following 100 Test appearances.

He became the ECB’s director of cricket in 2015 – leaving the post after three-and-a-half years – and was knighted in 2019.

In April 2023, it was announced Strauss, who stood in as interim managing director of England men’s cricket between February and May 2022, would leave his roles as strategic adviser to the ECB and chair of the performance cricket committee the following May.

Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie ended 2023 with the best match figures in Test cricket with his 13-99 against Zimbabwe in February in Bulawayo.

The 28-year-old took figures of 7-37 from 14.5 overs in the first innings and 6-62 from 17.3 overs in the second innings to set up an innings and four-run victory for the Windies.

Motie also took six wickets in the first match of the two-match series to finish with 19 in total, being named Player of the Series in the process.

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had the second-best match figures of 2023 with his 12-131 against the West Indies in Dominica in July while Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon was third with his 11-99 against India in Indore in March.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, lauds the unveiling of the highly anticipated fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The tournament, slated to unfold across the Caribbean and the USA from 01 June to 29 June 2024, promises an unparalleled celebration of cricket excellence and an opportunity to showcase the region's cultural richness on a global platform.

"Similar to many stakeholders, I share the excitement with the unveiling of the fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This represents remarkable progress with the preparation of this historic event," stated Dr. Shallow.

He added, “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup holds immense promise for the Caribbean, not just in terms of cricketing fervor but also as a catalyst for economic growth and regional development."

Dr. Shallow highlighted, "This tournament is projected to yield over USD 300 million in direct economic impact for the Caribbean. Moreover, it is anticipated to captivate more than a billion viewers worldwide through television broadcasts, further elevating the global stature of the Caribbean as a sporting and tourist destination."

"This influx of visitors, heightened tourism, and burgeoning business prospects will create a ripple effect," emphasized Dr. Shallow. "The impact on jobs, revenue streams, and the overall quality of life for our citizens will be substantial."

Furthermore, Dr. Shallow reiterated CWI's unwavering commitment to collaboration, stating, "Cricket West Indies remains steadfast in its collaboration with international partners to ensure the resounding success of the ICC T20 World Cup. Together, we aim to deliver an unforgettable tournament that not only captivates cricket enthusiasts worldwide but also leaves an enduring legacy of unity, sportsmanship, and economic prosperity across the Caribbean."

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sets the stage for a significant economic windfall for the Caribbean, providing a unique opportunity for the host nations to showcase their cultural heritage and allure to a global audience while leaving an indelible mark on the world of cricket.

Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Kensington Oval being awarded the final of this year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Twenty20 World Cup, is testament to the country's high level of organisation, as she beamed with pride about the accomplishment.

Mottley, in a statement on Friday boasted about the country's cricketing feats and the fact that Barbados has firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca, while the storied Kensington Oval had cemented its place among the world’s leading sporting venues.

The ICC on Friday announced that Barbados could host the final of the June 1-29 showpiece, which is co-hosted by West Indies and United States of America. Barbados will also host three Super Eight, second round games and five group stage matches.

“It is with a sense of pride and excitement that I join cricketing fans here and across the region, in celebrating Barbados being selected to host the International Cricket Council 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final. That Barbados will host this final, as well as eight other games throughout the tournament, three of which are Super 8 (quarter-finals) games, is nothing short of a privilege and an honour," Mottley said.

“It is a historic moment for our country as well, as this will be the third global cricketing final Kensington Oval has hosted, confirming its place among the world’s premiere sporting venues. As a Government, we believe this is a testament to the high level of organisation Barbados has displayed throughout the years, having hosted the 2007 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and the 2010 Men’s T20 World Cup Final," she added.

Barbados will be one six Caribbean host venues for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, with Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines all hosting matches.

Barbados will host its first group stage game on June 2, a clash between Namibia and Oman, and will also welcome two games involving reigning champions England, when they oppose Scotland on June 4, and Australia on June 8.

“It is equally a reflection of the fact that cricket is intrinsically linked to the identity of Barbados. Quite simply, it is in our DNA. Throughout our history, our nation has firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca, producing some of the greatest male and female players to have played the game, including the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen, our National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers," Mottley noted.

She pointed out that the Oval, located on the outskirts of the city, will now undergo a multi-million renovation in time for the T20 World Cup and, as such, a collaboration with all stakeholders would be crucial in order to make the venture a successful one.

“The planned renovation of Kensington Oval is tangible evidence that Barbados has already started its preparations. Over the coming months, we will continue to work with all stakeholders, in and outside of the sporting arena, to ensure the thousands of fans who gather here from across the world experience a safe, enjoyable and successful tournament and final," Mottley said.

“On behalf of the Government and all Barbadians, I wish to express sincere thanks to the ICC and Cricket West Indies for selecting Barbados and Kensington Oval as the location of choice to host this ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final. As Barbadians, I say let us all work together to make sure this tournament is a resounding success. And in so doing, let us reflect the pride and industry we possess as a people, and share it with the world," the Prime Minister ended.

Guyana will host the first semi-final on June 26, while Trinidad and Tobago will take centrestage for the second semi-final a day later.