ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Cricket enthusiasts across the Caribbean are eagerly anticipating a landmark sporting event as the West Indies Women’s team prepares to face Sri Lanka in a home series hosted in Grenada. This tournament holds special significance as it marks the triumphant homecoming of Grenadian cricket legend Afy Fletcher, who will represent the regional team on her native soil for only the second time in her illustrious career.
The 38-year-old leg-spinner from La Fillette, St. Andrew, stands as one of Grenada’s most accomplished athletes and a cornerstone of West Indies’ bowling arsenal. Her remarkable journey includes multiple ICC World Cup appearances and pivotal contributions to the team’s celebrated T20 World Cup victory in 2016. Fletcher’s career exemplifies extraordinary resilience, having temporarily stepped away from international cricket following the birth of her son Audee before making a triumphant return to elite competition.
Her recent achievements underscore her enduring excellence: selection to the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament and reaching the milestone of 100 ODI wickets against Thailand in April 2024. With 111 wickets from 89 ODI appearances and nearing the century mark in both T20 appearances and wickets, Fletcher has established herself as arguably the greatest cricketer—male or female—to emerge from the Spice Isle.
In an emotional statement ahead of the series, Fletcher expressed: ‘Representing West Indies on the world stage is always an honor, but performing before my home crowd carries profound meaning. I hope every young Grenadian watching will recognize that dreams are achievable regardless of origin. This series transcends cricket—it’s about demonstrating that Grenada produces champions.’
Grenada’s Minister of Sport, Hon. Delma Thomas, characterized the event as both a homecoming and a celebration of national excellence: ‘Afy embodies the potential of every Grenadian child who dares to dream. Her presence on home soil represents the pinnacle of what dedication and resilience can achieve.’
The minister extended gratitude to Cricket West Indies for selecting Grenada as the host venue and welcomed the Sri Lankan team, wishing them a competitive and enjoyable tour.
Cricket West Indies has issued a rallying cry for full support from Grenadian spectators, educational institutions, cricket clubs, and the broader sporting community to create an electrifying atmosphere for the home team. Local media representatives are invited to cover all matches, training sessions, and official team activities throughout what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.