Cricket West Indies (CWI) has formally addressed reports surrounding the upcoming SVG Emancipation Cricket Festival, confirming it has no objection to the event but stressing that the proper sanctioning protocol must be followed.
The tournament, which is being organized as part of Emancipation celebrations, is set to run from July 31 to August 4, 2025. However, CWI revealed it had not received any correspondence from either the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines or the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) regarding the event.
In a letter dated July 18 and addressed to the Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, CWI reminded all parties that events of this nature must be submitted to the local cricket association, which then engages CWI for regional sanctioning. The organization emphasized that this process had also been directly communicated to the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Carlos James, during a phone call on Thursday, July 17.
> “In keeping with our mandate to support the development of cricket across the region, CWI has no objection to the staging of the SVG Emancipation Cricket Festival… provided that it is formally approved by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association,” the letter stated.
While the event was not submitted through the correct channel, CWI noted that it is willing to take a facilitative approach this time around, allowing the event to proceed once the SVGCA issues its approval.
Importantly, CWI addressed misinformation circulating in some media spaces.
> “We also wish to clarify, contrary to what has been reported in some sections of the media, that CWI has never expressed any objection to the staging of this tournament,” the letter added. “Our focus has always been on ensuring that cricket activities within the region are properly coordinated and aligned with the sport’s governance structures.”
To guide future planning and ensure proper governance, the letter included a comprehensive list of conditions that must be met for cricket events to gain official approval and proceed in accordance with regional and international standards.
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Appendix A: CWI Guidelines for Sanctioning Cricket Events
1. Sanctioning:
The tournament must be approved and sanctioned by the local cricket association.
2. Player Eligibility:
All players must either be retired from international cricket, or have a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) if they are foreign players or West Indies players under contract with CWI or a regional franchise.
3. Safety & Security:
Adequate safety and security arrangements must be implemented. These are the sole responsibility of the local cricket association. CWI bears no liability.
4. Anti-Doping & Anti-Corruption:
All applicable anti-doping and anti-corruption rules must be followed. Responsibility lies with the local cricket association.
5. No CWI Affiliation:
The event must not be staged or promoted as being held under the auspices of CWI.
6. Legal & Insurance Obligations:
The local association must:
Ensure no conflict with CWI commercial contracts.
Indemnify CWI from any arising claims.
Secure third-party/public liability insurance.
Implement a medical plan.
Conduct anti-corruption training for players and officials.
Not distribute or exploit footage of the tournament worldwide without consent.
Not include franchise or privately-owned teams without CWI’s prior written approval.
Not link the event to any other league, festival, or competition.
7. ICC Requirements:
The local cricket association must meet all International Cricket Council (ICC) obligations and requirements.
8. Contractual Compliance:
Players, venues, and commercial partners must follow all event regulations, which should be reflected in their contracts.
9. West Indies Representation:
No participating team should be perceived as representing the West Indies. If so, CWI may revoke its approval.
10. ICC Sanctioning Clause:
If four or more players have played for an ICC Full Member nation in the last 24 months, ICC sanctioning will be required.
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The SVG Cricket Association has yet to confirm whether it intends to formally approve the festival, which is being positioned as a showcase of sports, culture, and heritage. Meanwhile, CWI’s facilitative stance suggests a willingness to support cricket-based tourism initiatives once they remain within governance structures.
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