For the first time, a women’s franchise game will be held alongside a men’s international match, marking a significant milestone in cricket. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced that the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024 will feature this new format. The WCPL is set to take place in August in Trinidad, with three matches integrated into double-headers alongside the West Indies men’s T20Is against South Africa.
Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI, described the initiative as an “exciting new concept for WCPL 2024.” The second edition of the WCPL will run from August 21 to 29, with all games scheduled at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Fans can look forward to watching both world-class men’s and women’s cricket in these double-header matches on August 23, 25, and 27.
Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with CWI, emphasizing that the joint scheduling aims to provide the best outcomes for fans, players, and the sport in the region. This initiative aligns with CWI’s strategic priority to elevate women’s cricket.
The WCPL tournament has shown continuous growth, with the Hayley Matthews-led Barbados Royals winning the previous edition. Last year’s tournament featured seven matches, including the final, among three teams.
The integration of WCPL with the men’s T20Is is expected to boost interest and viewership for women’s cricket. This year’s WCPL promises an enhanced experience for fans in Trinidad, who will enjoy a series of high-quality cricket matches.
South Africa’s tour of the Caribbean will also include two Tests and three T20Is, with the Tests scheduled in Trinidad and Guyana starting August 7. The T20I series, part of the double-header format, will commence on August 23 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Additionally, a four-day warm-up game in Tarouba is planned ahead of the Test series.
Overall, this innovative scheduling aims to enrich the cricketing experience for spectators and foster greater support for women’s cricket in the Caribbean.
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