A landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the Antigua and Barbuda government and regional cricket governing bodies has officially locked in the twin-island nation as the host venue for the Test leg of West Indies’ 2026 home international series against Sri Lanka. The historic agreement was formalized by Dwayne George, the country’s Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, confirming both scheduled Test matches will take place at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, located in North Sound.
The fixture calendar places the first Test between June 25 and 29, 2026, with the second Test slated to run from July 3 to 7 one week later. To help visiting teams acclimatize to local conditions, a four-day warm-up fixture has also been arranged at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, running from June 18 to 21 ahead of the opening Test.
In comments following the signing, Minister George framed the agreement as a key milestone in the Antigua and Barbuda government’s long-term strategy to grow sports tourism and cement the country’s standing as a top-tier host for elite global sporting events. He emphasized that welcoming top international cricket sides remains a core pillar of the nation’s broader tourism and economic development plans, which rely on high-profile events to draw international visitors and boost local revenue streams.
The Ministry of Sports and Creative Industries has announced it will coordinate closely with Cricket West Indies, local community and industry stakeholders, and regional partners to deliver seamless event operations and a world-class experience for teams, fans, and broadcasters alike. This upcoming series adds another high-profile entry to Antigua and Barbuda’s long legacy of hosting elite international cricket — a heritage that grows out of the country’s long-held reputation as the heart of Caribbean cricket, and the birthplace of one of the sport’s all-time greats, Sir Vivian Richards, after whom the main venue is named.