Grenada prepares to become the epicenter of Caribbean cricket as the West Indies Women’s team arrives for their landmark home series against Sri Lanka Women. The occasion carries extraordinary significance with the triumphant return of Grenadian cricket icon Afy Fletcher to home soil. Hailing from La Fillette, St Andrew, the accomplished leg-spinner will represent the West Indies in her homeland for only the second time in her distinguished career.
This series transcends conventional sporting competition, offering Grenadians a rare opportunity to witness one of their own excel at the highest level. Cricket West Indies has issued a rallying cry for overwhelming support from the Grenadian public, educational institutions, cricket clubs, and the broader sporting community to generate an electrifying atmosphere for the home squad.
The 38-year-old Fletcher has established herself as an indispensable component of West Indies’ bowling arsenal, representing the region across multiple ICC World Cups and global tournaments. Her legacy includes contributing to the team’s celebrated T20 World Cup victory in 2016.
Following a temporary hiatus from international cricket five years ago after welcoming her son Audee, Fletcher made a resounding comeback, elegantly demonstrating the feasibility of balancing elite athletic performance with motherhood. Her recent accolades include selection to the Team of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and capturing her 100th ODI wicket against Thailand in Pakistan last April.
With an impressive record of 111 wickets from 89 ODI appearances, Fletcher stands merely one match away from her 100th T20 appearance and four wickets short of 100 T20 dismissals. These monumental achievements solidify her status as one of the most accomplished international cricketers, regardless of gender, to emerge from the Spice Isle.
In pre-series remarks, Fletcher conveyed her profound enthusiasm: ‘This selection brings me immense pride, particularly the privilege of performing before my home crowd. Representing the West Indies globally carries special meaning, but doing so on the soil that nurtured me, surrounded by lifelong supporters, holds incomparable significance. I aspire to show every Grenadian child that dreams remain attainable regardless of origin—this series transcends statistics to inspire future generations.’
Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister of Sport, characterized the event as both homecoming and celebration of Grenadian excellence: ‘Afy embodies not just West Indian representation but every ambitious youth across our tri-island state. Her presence wearing maroon before family and friends constitutes the most powerful testament to Grenadian potential realized through determination and perseverance.’ The Minister extended gratitude to Cricket West Indies for choosing Grenada as host venue while welcoming the Sri Lankan delegation.
The forthcoming matches guarantee exhilarating competition as the Maroon Warriors confront a formidable Sri Lankan contingent, promising world-class cricket spectacle.