Cricket West Indies (CWI) is eyeing an April 18 to May 11 timeframe for the highly anticipated Regional T20 tournament, as disclosed by Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe during a recent appearance on the popular Barbadian radio show, Mason and Guest.
This announcement has generated excitement among cricket enthusiasts throughout the Caribbean, who are eager for the return of competitive T20 action in the region.
While the detailed tournament framework is still being developed, Bascombe emphasised that a significant focus will be on identifying and showcasing emerging Caribbean talent.

He noted that the CWI is considering limiting the participation of experienced T20 players. This approach aims to create a platform for young cricketers to shine and build their skills in a competitive environment.
In his remarks, Bascombe also mentioned that CWI has engaged in extensive discussions regarding potential age restrictions for players.

However, he clarified that the regulations would not be as stringent as an under-23 requirement, primarily due to the quick succession of T20 World Cups on the horizon.

The aim is to balance allowing seasoned players to contribute while prioritising the development of younger talent.

Six teams will compete in a full round-robin format, followed by an exciting finale.
This structure enhances the competitive spirit of the event and ensures that each team has ample opportunity to showcase its skills.

To manage costs effectively, CWI is contemplating hosting all matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago, a venue well-regarded for its facilities and infrastructure.

The last Caribbean Twenty20 tournament was held in January 2013. It culminated in a thrilling final in St. Lucia, with Trinidad and Tobago defeating Guyana by nine wickets.

Since then, the cricketing landscape in the Caribbean has evolved, and the need for a dedicated tournament to unearth new talent has become increasingly urgent.

The privately run Caribbean Premier League (CPL)commenced in 2013 and has garnered significant attention and commercial success. Yet, it has not proven to be the ideal platform for discovering a broad cross-section of grassroots talent.

As such, the upcoming Regional T20 tournament is seen as a crucial step towards revitalising the sport in the Caribbean and ensuring that new generations of cricketers are allowed to shine on a larger stage.