West Indies Women’s cricket celebrates 50 years since the historic first match

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially marked the 50th anniversary of a watershed moment in regional sports history following the first international match played by the West Indies Women’s cricket team in 1976.

In a statement released yesterday, CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow hailed the occasion as far more than a nostalgic milestone.

“Today, we proudly commemorate the 50th anniversary of a defining moment in Caribbean cricket,” Dr Shallow said. “That historic encounter against Australia marked far more than the start of a series.; Iit signalled the arrival of West Indies women on the global stage and the formal beginning of a journey that continues to inspire generations.”

The trailblazing side was led by Captain Louise Browne, who not only held the honour of leading the team but also faced the very first ball of the innings.

At a time when opportunities for women in cricket were severely limited, Browne and her teammates embodied courage, resilience, and unshakable belief.

Their efforts, CWI noted, laid the essential foundation for the growth and recognition of women’s cricket across the Caribbean. From those modest but mighty beginnings, the West Indies Women have since achieved World Cup triumphs and established themselves as a globally competitive force.

“The progress of the West Indies Women’s game is a testament to the vision and determination of those trailblazers,” Dr Shallow added.

As the Caribbean cricketing community reflects on this golden anniversary, Cricket West Indies reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the legacy of those pioneers.

“Their story is one of breaking barriers, building pathways, and defining a proud and enduring chapter in West Indies cricket history,” the president concluded.