ST JOHN’S, Antigua – A new chapter of regional cricket history was written at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium this week, as Trinidad & Tobago Red Force claimed the 2026 West Indies Championship title with a clinical victory over defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, capping off a dominant tournament run that has ended two decades of waiting for the side.
In the wake of the historic four-day final win, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow has issued a formal statement of congratulations to the Red Force, praising the team for their exceptional performance across the entire tournament.
The Red Force’s composed, determined showing in the high-stakes final secured their first regional four-day championship crown since 2006, bringing a fitting close to a stellar season for the side. Facing off against a Guyana Harpy Eagles team that entered the match as defending title holders, Trinidad & Tobago rose to the occasion to deliver a memorable victory that has resonated across Caribbean cricket circles.
In his public message, Dr. Shallow highlighted the core qualities that drove the Red Force to success: unwavering discipline, consistent form through every round of the tournament, and remarkable resilience when facing testing match situations. He also singled out for praise the strong leadership and relentless commitment demonstrated by the entire squad and coaching staff throughout their championship campaign.
“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on capturing the 2026 West Indies Championship title,” Dr. Shallow said in his statement. “This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, preparation, and consistency throughout the season.”
He added, “The players and management demonstrated tremendous character and professionalism, particularly in a high-pressure final against a very strong Guyana Harpy Eagles side. Their success reflects the rich cricketing tradition of Trinidad and Tobago and the continued strength of first-class cricket within the region.”
Beyond celebrating the Red Force’s win, the CWI president also emphasized the broader value of the annual West Indies Championship, noting that regional first-class competition remains a foundational pillar for nurturing emerging talent that will go on to represent the West Indies at the international level.
“The West Indies Championship remains a vital pillar in our cricket development pathway and continues to provide an important platform for players to sharpen their skills and compete at the highest regional level,” Dr. Shallow explained. “The quality of cricket displayed throughout the tournament is encouraging for the future of West Indies cricket.”
Dr. Shallow also extended recognition to the Guyana Harpy Eagles for their own outstanding 2026 season, which saw them advance to the final and defend their title through a tightly contested tournament. He additionally offered sincere thanks to every participating team, match officials, regional territorial cricket boards, tournament sponsors, and fan bases that contributed to the success of this year’s edition of the championship.
Organized cricket body CWI also joined in the expression of gratitude, acknowledging the ongoing passion and support from fans and stakeholders across the Caribbean – a foundation that continues to drive the growth and long-term success of regional first-class cricket across the region.
This report is compiled from official CWI press materials.