Jamaica is set to host Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies next summer, with three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 (T20) matches scheduled for June. This announcement, confirmed by Jamaica Cricket Association President Dr. Donovan Bennett, marks the second consecutive summer of international cricket in Kingston, following Australia’s visit in July. It will also be the fourth series in two years, after South Africa and Bangladesh’s tours in 2024. Bennett expressed his ambition to establish Jamaica as a permanent hub for international cricket, citing strong local fan demand as a key factor in Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) decision. He highlighted the successful turnout for the Australia series, which bolstered Jamaica’s case for hosting more games. Bennett emphasized the importance of early planning and marketing for the upcoming series, noting that Sabina Park has undergone significant improvements, including new lights and a scoreboard. Despite challenges during the Australia series, the stadium received positive feedback from players and spectators. Bennett is optimistic about attracting even larger crowds for the Sri Lanka series, which will feature Sabina Park’s first ODI series since 2022 and only the second in nine years. Sri Lanka has not played a T20 series in Kingston before, with their most recent ODIs in the region dating back to 2013. Bennett is already in discussions with the Jamaica Tourist Board and other stakeholders to ensure the event’s success, aiming to secure sponsors and enhance the fan experience well in advance.
分类： sports
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Barbados Premier League Champions one win away From Concacaf Caribbean Cup Semis
In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Ackeel Applewhaite made a triumphant return from injury, scoring a sensational equalizer to help Weymouth Wales secure a vital 1-1 draw against Trinidad Premier League Champions Defence Force. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, kept Wales’ hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup alive. Applewhaite, who had been sidelined for two months with a fractured eye, delivered a breathtaking acrobatic goal in the second half, showcasing his determination and talent. Defence Force initially took the lead in first-half stoppage time, courtesy of a well-executed corner kick by Joshua Araujo-Wilson, headed home by Shaquille Bertand. Despite Wales’ missed opportunities earlier in the game, including a close-range shot by former Barbados national captain Rashad Jules, the team’s defensive line, led by Mario Williams, Ricardio Morris, Akeem Hill, and Rashad Smith, held firm for much of the match. Applewhaite’s equalizer came from a fortuitous long throw by Williams, which he expertly volleyed into the net. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the match ended in a draw. In a post-match interview with Concacaf, Applewhaite expressed his joy and gratitude, emphasizing the team’s collective effort and his commitment to contributing to their success. He also highlighted the significance of the draw as Wales prepares for their final group stage home match against Cavalier, with the support of Barbados behind them.
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Nepal stun West Indies for historic first T20 win
Nepal etched its name in cricket history on Saturday with a remarkable 19-run victory over the West Indies in a T20 International (T20I) match held in Sharjah. This triumph marks Nepal’s first-ever win against a Full Member nation across all formats of the game, a significant milestone for the emerging cricketing nation. While Nepal had previously secured a T20I win against Afghanistan in 2014, Afghanistan was still classified as an Associate member at the time. This latest victory, however, came against the two-time T20 World Cup champions, the West Indies, underscoring Nepal’s growing prowess on the international stage. The match also inaugurated Nepal’s first bilateral series against a Full Member team, highlighting their rapid ascent in the cricketing world. Nepal’s success was a testament to their all-round team performance. Six of their batters hit at least one six, six bowlers claimed a wicket each, and their fielding consistently outclassed their opponents. After being put into bat, Nepal faced early setbacks with the dismissals of openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh within the first 20 balls. However, captain Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla stabilized the innings, with Malla’s aggressive stroke play, including two towering sixes, providing crucial momentum. Despite losing quick wickets in the latter stages, Nepal posted a competitive total of 148 for 8, aided by some sloppy West Indies fielding. In response, the West Indies chase stumbled early with the run-out of Kyle Mayers. Debutant Ackeem Auguste briefly entertained with two sixes, but Nepal’s spinners tightened their grip during the middle overs, stifling the scoring rate. A sharp run-out by Dipendra Singh Airee further dented the West Indies’ hopes, and experienced batter Jason Holder could only manage five runs before falling to Bhurtel. Despite late resistance from Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen, the target proved insurmountable, and the West Indies finished at 129 for 9, falling 19 runs short. Nepal’s historic win not only celebrates their cricketing progress but also signals their potential to challenge established teams in the future.
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HOPE FOR SUNSHINE
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, known as the Young Sunshine Girls, may not have reached the medal stage at the 2025 World Netball Youth Cup, but their head coach, Annett Daley, remains highly optimistic about their future. Daley emphasized the remarkable growth and potential she has observed in the squad, expressing confidence that with the right support and resources, these young players could seamlessly transition into the senior team in the coming years.
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West Indies cricket back in the spotlight
The West Indies cricket team embarks on a packed schedule in the final quarter of 2025, spanning all formats of the game. Ranked sixth in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, the Caribbean side, led by new captain Akeal Hosein, combines seasoned players with promising young talent. Their first challenge is a three-match T20 series against 18th-ranked Nepal, a team that cannot be underestimated given the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the West Indies’ historical vulnerabilities across formats.
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Caribbean Sailing Association unveils 2026 rally calendar, including Dominica stop for Salty Dawg Rendezvous
The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated rally calendar for 2026, promising an exhilarating year of sailing adventures across the Caribbean. The new schedule features a diverse array of regattas, rallies, and social gatherings, designed to celebrate the region’s vibrant sailing culture and bring together enthusiasts from around the globe. A standout addition to the calendar is the Salty Dawg Rendezvous in Dominica, scheduled for February 2026, which is expected to attract a significant number of participants. The CSA’s newsletter highlighted the evolution of the rally concept, noting the integration of racing events with rallies, exemplified by the Caribbean Multihull Challenge. This event has gained popularity in recent years for its unique format that combines competitive racing with the camaraderie of cruising. Antigua Sailing Week (ASW) is also set to undergo a format transformation in 2026, with organizers reintroducing destination sailing around Antigua. This will include both racing classes and a rally option tailored for cruising enthusiasts. The 2026 calendar also introduces feeder races such as the Rum to Spice from Barbados to Grenada and La Vuelta Culebra in Puerto Rico. These events are designed to serve as perfect preludes or follow-ups to larger regattas, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering a sense of community among sailors. CSA President Bastien Pouthier expressed his enthusiasm for the evolving calendar, stating, “From Barbados to Puerto Rico and many islands in between, we are delighted that our members are developing events that are more inclusive and bring sailors together for the simple joy of sailing.” The calendar, organized by prominent entities like the World Cruising Club and the Salty Dawg Association, features a blend of regattas, rallies, and social gatherings. Saskia Revelman, Manager of St. Maarten Yacht Club, emphasized the significance of the rally class at the Caribbean Multihull Challenge, noting its popularity as the only dedicated multihull regatta in the region. For December 2025, a rally component will be added to the Course D’Alliance, taking sailors from St. Maarten to Anguilla and St. Barths. Sailing enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.caribbean-sailing.com/rallies for more details and to view the full calendar. The 2026 schedule promises an exciting year of sailing, fostering community, competition, and exploration across the Caribbean’s stunning islands.
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Quentin Sampson commended by CWI as Breakout Player of CPL 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has lauded Quentin Sampson for his outstanding performance in the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), naming him the Breakout Player of the tournament. Sampson, who made his debut with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the competition. Over eight matches, he scored 241 runs with an impressive average of 40.16 and a strike rate of 153. His highest score of 76 proved pivotal in securing a crucial victory for his team, highlighting his ability to excel under pressure.
The CPL also saw stellar performances from other young talents, including Ackeem Auguste, who scored 73 runs for the St. Lucia Kings, and Navin Bidaisee, who took 7 wickets for the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots with an economy rate of 8.04. Emerging players like Jediah Blades, Nathan Edward, and Karima Gore also made significant contributions, signaling a bright future for regional cricket.
Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, expressed optimism about the development of West Indies cricket, stating, ‘Quentin’s performances, as well as those of others this season, are both pleasing and encouraging. They have shown that our emerging players can step up and deliver when given the opportunity.’ The tournament, which ran from August 14 to September 21, provided a platform for young cricketers to shine, many of whom earned their spots through standout displays in the CWI Breakout League earlier this year.
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Wales hunting second Concacaf Caribbean Cup Win
Weymouth Wales, the reigning champions of the Barbados Premier League and Knockout, are set to face Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force in a pivotal Concacaf Caribbean Cup match tonight at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This encounter holds immense significance as it could shape the trajectory of Wales’ historic campaign, marking the first time a Barbadian team has participated in this prestigious tournament. Currently positioned third in Group B with three points from two matches, Wales trails Jamaica’s Cavalier FC by a single point, with a crucial home game against Cavalier scheduled for October 1. Both Wales and Defence Force are tied on points, with Wales holding a slight edge on goal difference. Head coach Asquith Howell emphasized the high stakes of the match, stating that every game is critical for advancing to the next round. Howell acknowledged the quality of Defence Force, the top team in Trinidad and Tobago’s premier league, but expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. He also called on Barbadian fans to rally behind the team as they aim for regional glory, highlighting football’s role in inspiring the nation’s youth.
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Windies to host Sri Lanka in international series next year
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cricket enthusiasts in Jamaica have reason to celebrate as international cricket makes a triumphant return to the island next summer. The West Indies will face Sri Lanka in two highly anticipated limited-overs series at the iconic Sabina Park. Dr. Donovan Bennett, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), confirmed to Observer Online that the Sri Lankan team is scheduled to arrive on June 3 for a series of three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 matches against the Windies. This marks Jamaica’s fourth international cricket tour in two years, following successful series against South Africa, Bangladesh in 2024, and Australia earlier this year. Notably, this will be the first ODI series hosted at Sabina Park since 2022 and only the second in the past nine years. Additionally, it will be a historic moment as Sri Lanka has never played a T20 series in Kingston, with their last ODI appearance on the island dating back to a tri-nation series involving the Windies and India in 2013.
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Visa becomes official sponsor of Reggae Boyz
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to Jamaica’s national football team, Visa has been unveiled as the official sponsor of the Reggae Boyz as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Visa jointly announced this partnership through a collaborative Instagram post on Friday. Visa will serve as the team’s official payment technology partner, marking a pivotal moment in the squad’s journey toward World Cup qualification. The Reggae Boyz, who last qualified for the World Cup in 1998, are aiming to end a 27-year drought and make their return to the global stage. This sponsorship not only highlights Visa’s commitment to supporting sports but also underscores the growing momentum behind Jamaica’s football aspirations.