In a significant scheduling shift, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the postponement of the 2026 edition of the West Indies T20 Breakout League, despite previous commitments from Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath that the tournament would proceed in January-February at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
The decision follows a comprehensive collaborative review between CWI and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which determined the originally planned window would conflict with an exceptionally congested international and domestic cricket schedule. The upcoming calendar features two major global events: the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup (January 15-February 6) immediately followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (February 7-March 8).
CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized that while the developmental league remains integral to long-term planning, the pause allows for strategic reassessment during a fiscally constrained period. ‘With our under-19 and senior men’s teams focused on upcoming World Cups, this is an especially demanding period for our players,’ Dehring stated. He confirmed both organizations agree the tournament requires adequate space to achieve its developmental objectives and fan engagement goals.
The inaugural Breakout League, held April 25-May 10 this year, proved successful with Trinidad and Tobago Legions claiming victory over Leeward Islands Thunder by 17 runs in the final. The tournament served as a crucial platform for emerging talent, with several participants already advancing to international representation.
Dehring indicated the hiatus would enable authorities to evaluate the league’s structural framework and positioning within the World Cup cycle to optimize developmental outcomes. He highlighted the need for enhanced scouting mechanisms and improved data collection to strengthen alignment between the Breakout League and high-performance systems.
CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced his organization’s continued support for the league’s mission, stating the postponement period would allow for refinement of format, timing, and supporting structures to ensure the tournament fulfills its intended role within Caribbean cricket’s development ecosystem.