Cricket in Barbados
Cricket in Barbados is rated the No. 1 sport and is played all year round, whether on the beach, on a field or in the streets, it is enjoyed by all.
Cricket is considered the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies because of the energy of the Cricket Festivals and party atmosphere surrounding the sport. Especially with the locals and visitors picnicking on the grounds, munching on local cuisine and being bowled over with hits of rum.
The characters at cricket also add to the entertainment with their attire, music and comedy. One of the popular characters is Mac Fingal, an entertainer and avid cricket fan. Mac along with his small band keeps the many fans in the stands entertained. All this has no doubt made Barbados one the favourite Cricketing Destinations in the Caribbean.
For a little Island, Barbados has produced some of the greatest Cricketing Legends in the world and hence the attraction from so many touring teams (clubs, school, universities, etc.). Names like Gordon Greenidge, Charlie Griffith, Seymour Nurse, Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell and of course the greatest all rounder ever Sir Garfield Sobers, these are some of the greats of all time and are still active in the development of Cricket in Barbados and the region, that is those who are still with us. Many greats from all over the world and home have left their mark on the Kensington Oval.
Barbados has many cricket grounds but the most famous is Kensington Oval which existed since 1871 and is located approximately 1 mile from the Capital Bridgetown. This Oval for centuries has been home to International Cricket in Barbados.
In 2005 the Oval was demolished making way for the new transformed ultra modern stadium which was officially re-opened on 17th February 2007 for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.
Kensington Oval in Barbados have been known for its historic matches and entertaining atmosphere, since its first match in 1882, the first touring side in 1895 and its first test in 1930 against England. Despite all the changes to Kensington Oval to make it the best Cricket ground in the region, the memories of past of great matches and spectacular performances by Cricketing Legends from all over will never be forgotten.
Organised Cricket in Barbados
The first cricket organisation in Barbados was formed in 1892 and was called the Barbados Cricket Challenge Cup Committee. In 1933 the Barbados Cricket Association was then established.
The Barbados Cricket Association is responsible for organizing cricket from the Under-13 Juniors level to Test matches level; this is all coordinated with the West Indies Cricket Board. There are 128 teams representing 82 Clubs competing in the BCA's Competitions.
Unofficially Sports Tourism probably started around the 1860's when cricket teams were invited from the region and USA to compete against local teams.
So if you want to enjoy a great cricket experience, music and culture, while vacationing on a fun tropical island and relaxing on beautiful beaches, then Barbados is the place to be.
| Barbados Cricket Seasons | |
|---|---|
| Domestic: | May - December |
| Regional First Class: | January - March |
| International Season: | March - June |
BARBADOS CRICKET FIXTURES/MATCHES - Click here for full Cricket Calendar
| Barbados Cricket Divisions | Other Cricket Tournaments/Championships |
|---|---|
| First Division | WICB Under-19 One Day Championship |
| Sagicor Cup | WICB Womens 50-Over Tournament |
| Sagicor Twenty20 | WICB Under-19 Three-Day Championship |
| Sagicor Shield | Keith Boyce Memorial Tournament |
| Upper Intermediate | English Counties Cup |
| Intermediate | Foundation Joel Garner Twenty20 |
| Under 13 | Iris Walker Memorial Series |
| Under 15 | WICB Regional 50-Over Tournament |
| Under 17 | WICB Twenty20 Championship |
| Under 19 | ICC West Indies Under-19 |
| Goddards School Division | ICC World T20 |
| School Division | CLOBI International T20 Championship |
| Second Division | WICB Presidents Cup |
| BARBADOS CRICKET CLUBS/TEAMS | |
| Bristol Club | UWI (University of the West Indies) |
| Carlton Club more info... | Barbados Youth |
| Empire Club | Barbados Youth A |
| Banks Sports Club more info... | Barbados Youth B |
| Bayville Club | Schools South |
| St Catherine Club | Schools North |
| Cable & Wireless Sports Club | Combined Schools |
| Police Club | BDF (Barbados Defense Force) |
| Maple Club | BDFYP (Youth Programme) |
| Spartan Club | BDFSP (Sports Programme) |
| Wanderers Club more info... | YMPC (Young Men’s Progressive Club) |
| Pickwick Club | LIME |
| Dover Club | BCL (Barbados Cricket League) |
For more information on activities in Barbados, check out our Events Calendar
CONTACT
The Barbados Cricket Association
Tel: (246) 436 1397
Fax: (246) 436 3945
Email: office@bca.org.bb
For more Barbados Cricket Info go to http://www.bcacricket.org
For West Indies Cricket Info go to http://www.windiescricket.com