Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have jointly announced the postponement of the Breakout T20 League originally scheduled for 2026. This decision follows an extensive review of the increasingly congested international cricket calendar and preparations required for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Breakout T20 League, which enjoyed a successful inaugural edition earlier this year, represents a crucial developmental pathway for emerging Caribbean cricketers. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to the tournament despite the scheduling difficulties, recognizing its vital role in bridging the gap between regional competitions and international cricket.
CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the league’s fundamental purpose: “Our primary focus remains player development—specifically identifying and nurturing talent beyond traditional pathways. This pause during a fiscally constrained period allows us to reassess the league’s structure and positioning within the World Cup cycle to optimize developmental outcomes.”
Dehring further outlined the strategic vision, noting the need for enhanced scouting networks, improved data analytics, and stronger integration with high-performance systems. “We must cast a wider net across the Caribbean to identify players with the requisite skills, athleticism, and mentality for modern cricket, including those with limited exposure to elite environments.”
The current cricket cycle presents particular challenges, with multiple West Indies squads simultaneously competing on the global stage. Dehring acknowledged the demanding schedule facing both Under-19 and senior men’s teams as they prepare for upcoming World Cup tournaments.
CPL CEO Pete Russell echoed this commitment, stating: “While we haven’t secured a suitable 2026 window, our dedication to the Breakout League remains unwavering. This interim period will enable us to refine the competition’s format and supporting structures to ensure its long-term viability within Caribbean cricket’s development ecosystem.”
Both organizations confirmed that updates regarding the tournament’s rescheduling will be communicated in due course.