By Samuel Peters
Clubs in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association are set to receive a significant injection of regional talent for the 2026 season, with several first-class players from both the CWI Academy and Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
The move represents a strategic effort to strengthen the domestic cricket structure while providing emerging and established players with regular competitive cricket at the club level.
The CWI Academy contingent features a diverse group of promising talents distributed among several clubs. Liberta will welcome Giovinte Depieza and Rivaldo Clarke, while All Saints have secured the services of Ranieco Smith.
Bethesda is adding depth with Kelvin Pitman and Mbeki Joseph, while Bolans is bringing in Jediah Blades. New Winthorpes have acquired Zishan Motara, and Tertiary Institutes and Schools welcome Johanne Layne and Damel Evelyn.
Other Academy players joining the competition include Amari Goodridge (Jennings), Ryan Bandoo (Rising Sun), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (Pigotts), and the Empire duo of Nathan Edward and Mayendra Dindyal.
The Liberta Blackhawks maintain their status as a powerhouse, retaining homegrown Hurricane stars Rahkeem Cornwall, Javier Spencer, Karima Gore, and Kofi James. Similarly, Pigotts Crushers keep their established duo of Kadeem Henry and Jewel Andrew, while the New Winthorpes Lions have secured the return of Cameron Pennyfeather, who impressed during his stint with the club last season.
West Indies batsman Mikyle Louis returns to familiar territory with the Bolans Blasters, where he’ll be joined by Dimitri Adams. In a significant homecoming, All Saints celebrate the return of Jeremiah Louis, who last represented the club over five years ago.
Adding intrigue to the player movements, Bethesda have pulled off a notable recruitment by signing Jahmar Hamilton, traditionally associated with the Blackhawks. Meanwhile, Empire strengthen their bowling attack with the addition of pace bowler Chamiqueko Landerfort, and Jennings complete the Hurricane additions by securing West Indies fast bowler Oshane Thomas.
This integration of first-class players into the club system serves multiple purposes. For the clubs, it provides an opportunity to compete at a higher standard while learning from experienced professionals.
With these additions, the 2026 club season promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory, potentially raising the overall standard of domestic cricket in the territory.
As the season approaches, cricket fans across Antigua and Barbuda will be eagerly anticipating how these new additions impact their favorite clubs and contribute to the development of the sport in the various communities.
