As regional youth cricket prepares to kick off one of its most anticipated annual tournaments, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board has officially confirmed its 14-player roster for the 2026 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Championship, with the tournament set to get underway next week on the grounds of Antigua.
Heading up the squad, dubbed the Tropical Wave, is all-round talent Mathew Miller, who has been appointed team captain. Standing alongside Miller as deputy is Tanez Francis, who will take on the role of vice-captain for the duration of the tournament. The full roster features a diverse mix of emerging young talent from across the region: Jquan Athanaze, Tayari Tonge, Kerrique Mentore, Lytte Browne, Eriette Richard’s, Lawshorn Bergan, Kunal Tilokani, Kasim Challenger, Jaheem Clarke, Amoree Jones, Rondre Daniel and Jathan Edwards round out the 14 selected players.
In an official statement following the squad announcement, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board highlighted the depth of potential within the selected group, noting that every player named has demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill to earn their spot on the regional team. “This is a talented group of young cricketers who are eager to carry the name of the Leeward Islands onto the pitch, and compete with pride and determination every time they take the field,” the board shared in its announcement. “Mathew Miller and Tanez Francis have shown great leadership potential throughout the selection process, and we are confident they will guide this group well throughout the tournament.”
The governing body also extended formal congratulations to every athlete who earned selection, acknowledging the hard work put in by all hopefuls during trial and training camps. It closed its statement by extending well wishes to the entire squad, expressing hope that the team will put in strong performances and gain valuable experience competing against the region’s best young players.
The CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Championship stands as one of the key regional events for nurturing emerging cricket talent, bringing together the top under-19 prospects from across the Caribbean to compete for the regional title. This year’s iteration, hosted in Antigua, will see teams from all member territories compete over the coming weeks to claim the championship honours.