CRICKET WEST INDIES (CWI) has initiated discussions with China on a potential partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-performance cricket campus at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, marking a significant step in the board’s long-term strategy to strengthen player development and modernise cricket infrastructure across the Caribbean.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, and Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Zhang Yanling.
The proposed collaboration centres on the development of CWI’s flagship High-Performance Centre at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the board’s administrative headquarters and primary training base. The project aims to transform the venue into a world-class cricket campus equipped with advanced training facilities, sports science and medicine units, athlete accommodation, education centres and modern performance analysis infrastructure.
According to CWI, the discussions explored opportunities for Chinese investment, technical expertise and infrastructure support to help realise the ambitious project. While no formal agreement has been signed and financial details have not been disclosed, both sides expressed interest in exploring areas of mutual cooperation as the project moves into its planning phase.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow described the proposed campus as a transformational initiative for West Indies cricket. He said the facility would serve as the foundation for developing future generations of cricketers by providing elite coaching, sports science support and high-performance training in a single integrated environment. Shallow also noted that strategic international partnerships would be essential in delivering infrastructure capable of supporting the long-term growth of the game in the Caribbean.
Ambassador Zhang welcomed the opportunity to strengthen sporting cooperation between China and the Caribbean, highlighting the broader relationship between China and Antigua and Barbuda. He indicated that sports infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges could become important areas of future collaboration, with cricket presenting a unique opportunity to deepen bilateral engagement.
The Coolidge Cricket Ground has become increasingly important to Cricket West Indies in recent years, serving as the board’s headquarters and hosting regional competitions, training camps and development programmes. The proposed high-performance campus would significantly expand its role by creating a permanent centre for elite player preparation across all formats of the game.
