The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a major proposal for the establishment of a Cricket West Indies (CWI) Campus, a large-scale, integrated cricket and sports tourism development intended to position the country as a leading high-performance cricket hub in the Americas.
The decision, endorsed under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Sports Minister Daryl Matthew, represents a strategic investment aimed at advancing sports development, diversifying tourism, supporting youth engagement, and strengthening economic growth.
The proposed campus is expected to occupy approximately 20 acres and will be anchored by Cricket West Indies. It is designed as a comprehensive ecosystem combining elite cricket training, sports science, tourism experiences, and commercial activity within a single location. Plans for the development include a state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre equipped with indoor training facilities, advanced analytics, fitness infrastructure, and sports science and recovery services. The project also предусматривает the refurbishment of an international cricket venue to be renamed the 4 Knights Oval, alongside the creation of a West Indies Cricket Experience Museum featuring interactive exhibits highlighting the region’s cricketing legacy.
In addition, the campus is expected to house administrative headquarters for both Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League, further establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a central hub for regional cricket administration. A remote television production facility is also planned, positioning the country as a broadcast centre for international cricket coverage. The development will further include a full-time cricket academy and high school aimed at nurturing young talent across the Caribbean, as well as a cricket-themed hotel and player residence to accommodate teams and visitors. Recreational sporting facilities and the deployment of Cricket West Indies Performance Pods across the region are also part of the broader initiative.
Cabinet noted that the project aligns with global trends in sports tourism and the expanding international sports economy. It is anticipated to increase visitor arrivals, particularly among long-stay sports tourists, while creating employment and business opportunities. Officials also expect the initiative to enhance the country’s international profile as a premier sports destination, attract foreign direct investment, and generate new revenue streams through broadcasting, events, and data-driven services. The project is expected to leverage Antigua and Barbuda’s existing tourism infrastructure, favourable climate, and longstanding cricket heritage.
The government also underscored the regional benefits of the initiative, particularly in strengthening the development pipeline for young cricketers. The proposed academy and high school will offer combined academic and athletic training, with a focus on providing opportunities for youth from across the Caribbean, including those from underserved communities. The inclusion of sports medicine and research facilities is also expected to contribute to advancements in athlete care and performance.
The development is scheduled to be implemented in phases, with key components projected for completion between 2026 and 2030, subject to funding and partnership arrangements.
Prime Minister Browne described the approval as a defining moment for the country, stating that the initiative places Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of global cricket development while opening new economic opportunities. Cabinet has indicated its commitment to working with regional and international partners to ensure the successful execution of the project.
