After months of inter-agency discussions and formal cabinet approval, top-level sports leadership in Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed that two of the Caribbean’s most beloved sports are set to make a comeback to one of the nation’s most iconic sporting venues.
Dwayne George, the country’s Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, confirmed in a recent statement that the path is fully cleared for both football and cricket to resume matches at the historic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG). The formal green light for this landmark sports revival was first issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet back in June, following a series of constructive negotiations with the national governing bodies for both cricket and football.
According to George, no remaining administrative, infrastructural or regulatory hurdles are currently blocking the return of organized competitive play to the venue. He added that once the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) completes all necessary pre-season preparations, the organization will kick off its 2024 September-to-December domestic football league right on the ARG’s pitch.
In closing, the minister emphasized a key operational note for the two governing bodies: close, coordinated scheduling between the cricket and football associations will be critical to preventing scheduling conflicts and operational disruptions that could impact matchdays for athletes and fans alike.