West Indies and NCL Canada set to partner up as cricket ignites in North America and Caribbean
By: RF Hobson
A proposed reciprocal partnership between Cricket West Indies, the only Full Member nation in the Americas, and National Cricket League Canada (NCL) is hoped to help strengthen cricket’s footprint in an increasingly exciting region for the bat and ball sport.
CWI and NCL, the operators of the rejuvenated T20 domestic league in Canada, represent two of the biggest and most influential powerbrokers in valuable terrain for cricket, where the sport will make its triumphant Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The collaboration includes advanced plans to formalise a strategic partnership focused on the development and growth of the Global T20 tournament in Canada, where CWI would take an ownership stake in the league and acquire a franchise if it all comes together.
Included in the discussions is the proposed integration of the CWI High Performance Centre to be constructed in Antigua, which would provide opportunities for Canadian player development, training and high performance support within the Global T20 structure.
Arun Agarwal, Chairman of NCL GT20 Canada, emphasised the broader impact in a market where immigrant communities, youth participation, and a rising professional scene have positioned the country as the sport’s next great frontier.
“Cricket’s growth in North America is no longer theoretical, it’s happening,” he said. “By creating opportunities for enhanced competition, opening access to high-performance training in the Caribbean, and building a true development pipeline, we are giving young players something that hasn’t existed here before, a clear, credible path from learning the game to playing it professionally.
“That’s how you build a sport that lasts.”
There is also the possibility of Canadian teams being part of future CWI tournaments. As the only Full Member - granted to 12 top nations who receive more funds, playing opportunities and power - in the Americas, the West Indies have an important role in developing cricket in a region highlighted by the US , the No.1 target market for the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“This is a pivotal and forward looking moment for West Indies and Canadian cricket. As the only ICC Full Member nation in the hemisphere, this collaboration promises tremendous mutual potential,” CWI president and ICC board director Kishore Shallow said.
“For Cricket Canada, it could very well be a defining moment for their cricket development. Equally important, Canada represents to CWI the kind of market that could have a significant impact on our commercial growth.”
Brijesh Patel, Commissioner of NCL GT20, said the “future of cricket in North America runs through partnerships like this one”.
“When you connect Canadian talent with West Indies expertise and enhance the competitive opportunities, you’re not just growing a league, you’re building a genuine development pipeline,” he said.
“That’s what turns a growth story into a lasting one.”
Discussions are set to continue.