Cricket West Indies has scheduled its second Breakout Tournament for the third week of January 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, according to sources within the organization. While official announcements remain pending, the tournament reportedly carries a substantial operational budget of approximately US$1 million.
The inaugural 2024 event, held at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy, identified twelve exceptional young talents who demonstrated outstanding performance capabilities. The standout performers included:
Navin Bidaisee (25, Trinidad & Tobago) – Allrounder
Quentin Sampson (25, Guyana) – Batsman
Micah McKenzie (18, Leeward Islands) – Leg spinner
Kofi James (27, Leeward Islands) – Batsman
Karima Gore (27, Leeward Islands) – Allrounder
Zishan Motara (19, Barbados) – Leg spinner
Riyad Latiff (18, Guyana) – Leg spinner
Joshua James (24, Trinidad & Tobago) – Fast bowler
Johann Jeremiah (26, Windward Islands) – Opening batsman
Anderson Mahase (22, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
Nathan Edward (20, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
Kamil Pooran (29, Trinidad & Tobago) – Batsman
Notable individual achievements from the previous tournament included Johann Jeremiah’s explosive 97 runs from 50 deliveries against Jamaica and Kamil Pooran’s impressive 73 from 44 balls during the final match against Leeward Islands. The bowling department saw exceptional performances from left-arm spinners Anderson Mahase and Nathan Edward, who claimed 10 and 9 wickets respectively.
Despite these successes, concerns have emerged regarding the tournament’s current structure. The 2024 format predominantly featured players who had recently participated in the CWI First Class Competition, raising questions about the event’s effectiveness in discovering genuinely new talent. Critics argue that this approach minimizes opportunities for emerging players who haven’t yet established themselves in the four-day game format.
Cricket analysts and insiders suggest that implementing an Under-23 age restriction would better serve the tournament’s stated purpose of identifying promising young talent. Such a format could incorporate recent West Indies U-19 representatives who competed against England in Grenada, along with other documented emerging players from regional competitions.
Despite these recommendations, sources indicate that Cricket Director Miles Bascombe will maintain the existing format for the 2026 event, with playing kits and uniforms already ordered. However, there is growing anticipation that organizational policies might evolve for the 2027 tournament, potentially implementing age restrictions and focusing on white-ball format specialization.
The tournament is expected to receive global coverage through CWI’s YouTube Channel, providing streaming access to audiences throughout the Caribbean and worldwide. Broadcasting considerations include incorporating fresh commentary talent from the region, with potential candidates being Saint Lucia’s Claudius Emmanuel and Dwight Thomas, both widely recognized throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Additional opportunities may exist for emerging voices like Antigua and Barbuda’s Mali Richards.
Suggestions have been made to organize a preparatory workshop for young commentators prior to the tournament’s commencement, potentially enhancing broadcast quality while developing regional media talent. The information regarding previous tournament performances was compiled with assistance from former Windward Islands and Combined Islands opening batsman Lockhart Sebastien and former Antigua and Barbuda and Leeward Islands middle order batsman Mali Richards.