The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground will not host international matches in 2025 as per the CWI schedule. Men’s and Women’s teams will focus on qualifying for upcoming World Cups through various series across multiple venues, including key tours in the UK and engagements against Australia and Pakistan.
In 2025, the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground will not host any international cricket matches, despite its acclaim from the International Cricket Council (ICC) post the 2024 T20 World Cup. The schedule revealed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) outlined fixtures for both the Senior Men’s and Women’s teams, but none for the St. Lucian venue.
For the Men’s team, a significant focus lies on qualifying for major white-ball tournaments in 2026 and 2027. They will embark on a UK tour from May 21 to June 15, facing Ireland and England in T20 and ODI formats, aiming to build on recent successes against England.
Upon returning home, the Men in Maroon will start their ICC World Test Championship cycle with a three-match Test series against Australia for the Frank Worrell Trophy, showcasing head coach Daren Sammy’s debut in this role. Following Australia, the team will engage in white-ball matches against Pakistan and tour various countries later in the year.
Conversely, the Women’s team needs to secure qualification for the ICC 50-over World Cup in India this year. They will participate in a qualifying tournament in Pakistan in April, aspiring to place in the top two to gain entry into the World Cup, before competing against England and South Africa in subsequent series.
Key matches for the Men’s UK Tour include ODIs and T20Is against Ireland and England, with matches scheduled at notable venues. The home series against Australia includes a Test series followed by T20 matches, while the series against Pakistan will encompass both T20Is and ODIs in various locations.
On the Women’s end, the series consists of T20 matches in England followed by a historic home series against South Africa at the 3Ws Oval. The fixtures aim to create competitive situations to bolster performance ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers and tournaments to follow.
The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground’s absence from the international schedule indicates a strategic redirection by CWI towards more significant venues during the 2025 cricket calendar. This year focuses on critical qualification efforts for both Men’s and Women’s teams in preparation for upcoming World Cups. The broader context includes the ongoing development of cricket in the Caribbean, with efforts to leverage international fixtures effectively for growth and visibility in the sport.
In conclusion, 2025 will see no international matches hosted at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, despite its prior recognition. The Men’s and Women’s teams will engage in various series primarily outside of St. Lucia, emphasizing qualification for critical ICC tournaments. The strategic focus is on enhancing competitive performance and securing vital match experiences in high-stakes environments.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
