THE Guyana National Stadium, Providence, is set to take centre stage this July, securing the opening three fixtures of the West Indies’ high-profile five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
The announcement comes as part of Cricket West Indies’ newly unveiled 2026 home international schedule, headlined by the board’s vibrant new marketing campaign, “WI OUTSIDE!”.
While the broader summer itinerary features multi-format visits to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the crucial ODI leg against the Black Caps has required swift behind-the-scenes diplomatic and operational manoeuvring to keep Guyana at the heart of the action.
Originally slated to host the entirety of the five-match 50-over series, Providence will now split hosting duties with Bridgetown.
Logistical bottlenecks in Georgetown prompted a collaborative, cost-sharing intervention between the governments of Guyana and Barbados, ensuring the marquee white-ball series stays firmly on track.
“Cricket West Indies engaged in discussions with the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana regarding logistical challenges associated with hosting the five ODIs,” CWI Chief Executive, Chris Dehring, explained regarding the late scheduling adjustment.
“Subsequently, the Governments of Guyana and Barbados proposed a collaborative arrangement to share the matches and associated operational costs between the two territories.”
Dehring added that following consultations with New Zealand Cricket, CWI approved the cost-sharing plan to ensure a seamless tour. “Cricket West Indies wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the Governments of Guyana and Barbados for their co-operative spirit, flexibility, and swift action in ensuring the series proceeds without disruption.”
For fans in Georgetown, the peak of the regional summer begins on July 11 with the series opener under the Providence lights.
The teams will back it up two days later for the second ODI on July 13, before concluding the Guyanese leg of the tour on July 16.
The circus will then pack up and head south to Barbados, where the iconic Kensington Oval will host the remaining two encounters on July 19 and 21.
The Kiwi visit sits sandwiched between a heavy Sri Lankan tour in June and a historic pair of Test matches against Pakistan in Trinidad. CWI is banking heavily on its new promotional push to replicate the carnival-like atmospheres that have historically defined home series in the region, looking at venues like Guyana to set the tone.
“West Indies cricket has always been about more than what happens on the field. It is about people, passion, culture, pride, and the unmatched energy that comes alive when our fans rally behind the maroon,” Dehring said. “‘WI OUTSIDE!’ is a celebration of that spirit and an invitation to every cricket fan and proud West Indian to come out, fill the stands, wave their flags, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes West Indies cricket special. We want this summer to feel like a movement across the region.”
Full International Home Series Schedule:
Versus Sri Lanka: All Formats
1st ODI – June 3 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
2nd ODI – June 6 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
3rd ODI – June 6 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
1st T20I – June 11 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
2nd T20I – June 13 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
3rd T20I – June 14 @Sabina Park, Jamaica
1st Test – June 25-29 @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
2nd Test – July 3-7 @Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda
Versus New Zealand: One-Day Internationals
1st ODI – July 11 @Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
2nd ODI – July 13 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
3rd ODI – July 16 @ Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
4th ODI – July 19 @Kensington Oval, Barbados
5th ODI – July 21 @ Kensington Oval, Barbados
Versus Pakistan: Tests
1st Test – July 25-29 @Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
2nd Test – August 2-6 @Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago
