The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has expressed its support for the upcoming SVG Cricket Festival but has issued a follow-up clarification on the official sanctioning process required for the event to proceed in full compliance with regional cricket governance.
In a letter dated 15th July 2025, addressed to Annette Mark, CEO of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, CPL CEO Pete Russell confirmed the league’s position of non-objection to the highly anticipated tournament, scheduled for July 31st to August 4th at the Arnos Vale Cricket Stadium.
>“We are delighted to confirm that CPL has no objection to this tournament, and we wish you and your team every success in celebrating such an important landmark for West Indies cricket,” Russell wrote.
However, in a follow-up letter dated 16th July 2025, Russell emphasized the need for proper procedural approval from Cricket West Indies (CWI) before CPL’s position can be formalized.
“Just to be clear and based on our agreement with Cricket West Indies, the first approval must come from CWI ahead of CPL endorsing their approval. Alone, CPL does not have the authority to sanction any standalone events,” the CPL CEO noted.
He added that the league had been operating under the impression that such approval had already been granted by CWI, but if that was not the case, “we would ask that such a conversation takes place to ensure we are all compliant with the sanctioning process.”
The two letters reflect CPL’s general support for initiatives that promote cricket in the region, while also underscoring the importance of respecting established regulatory frameworks. The SVG Cricket Festival, which falls during the Emancipation period, is being billed as a celebration of sport, culture, and Caribbean pride.
Tourism Minister Carlos James recently described the festival as “the biggest cricket festival to be played in the region,” further heightening public interest and expectations.
