Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially confirmed that Barbados will host two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when New Zealand tour the Caribbean later this year.
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ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially confirmed that Barbados will host two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when New Zealand tour the Caribbean later this year.
In a statement issued yesterday, CWI revealed that while Guyana had been originally scheduled to host all five ODIs at the National Stadium from July 11 to July 21, logistical challenges resulted in an agreement being reached with Barbados to have the final two matches relocated to Kensington Oval.
CWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Dehring, said the all-clear had been given to the collaborative arrangement between the two countries.
“Cricket West Indies engaged in discussions with the government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana regarding logistical challenges associated with hosting the five ODIs.
“Subsequently, the governments of Guyana and Barbados proposed a collaborative arrangement to share the matches and associated operational costs between the two territories. Following consultation with New Zealand Cricket, Cricket West Indies approved the arrangement as part of its continued commitment to delivering a successful and memorable series for players, fans, and the wider Caribbean community,” Dehring said.
“Cricket West Indies wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the governments of Guyana and Barbados for their cooperative spirit, flexibility, and swift action in ensuring the series proceeds without disruption.”
The decision follows public outcry from Prime Minister Mia Mottley and President of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Calvin Hope, after it was revealed earlier this year that Kensington Oval had not been chosen to host any of the matches in the 2026 home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
The summer officially bowls off in Jamaica with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka from June 3–14, featuring three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The teams will then travel to Antigua for a two-match Test series, scheduled for June 25–29 and July 3–7.
Attention will then shift to a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Guyana hosting the opening three matches on July 11, 13 and 16, before the series concludes in Barbados with the final two encounters on July 19 and 21.
The final leg of the home season will take place in Trinidad & Tobago, where the Men in Maroon will face Pakistan in a two-match Test series from July 25–29 and August 2–6. The series will also mark a historic milestone for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is set to host its first-ever international Test match.