In a stirring address that underscored both pride and urgency, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Kishore Shallow celebrated the unprecedented success and economic impact of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States.
“It was a good vibes, no doubt,” Shallow opened, channeling the spirit of his home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But behind the Caribbean charm was a message of serious substance.
Shallow revealed that an independent economic impact assessment conducted by the ICC and Nielsen Sports found the tournament injected a staggering $1.66 billion USD into the economies of the host nations. “This World Cup injected an astonishing 1.66 billion into the economies of the host nations, directly benefiting businesses, workers, and communities across the Caribbean,” he said.
“This event serves as a beacon of possibility, showcasing the power of sport—the power of cricket—to drive tangible and lasting economic progress.”
Every host nation saw significant gains. Shallow noted:
- Barbados led the way with $426.4 million USD
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines: $224.8 million
- St. Lucia: $132.5 million
- Antigua and Barbuda: $114 million
- Guyana: $76.7 million
- Trinidad and Tobago: $68.9 million
“These figures are not just statistics. They represent real income for families, real opportunities for entrepreneurs, and real investments in our tourism infrastructure.”
The assessment also highlighted that 383,000 fans attended the tournament, many of whom were first-time visitors to the Caribbean. “This event has planted seeds for future tourism growth, as an overwhelming number of attendees express interest in returning to the region.”
The tournament also drove meaningful employment across sectors: “This World Cup brought direct economic relief to thousands… from hospitality and transportation workers to security personnel, media professionals, local artisans, and event staff.”
The breakdown of spending further underscored the scale:
- Accommodation: $174.3 million USD
- Food and beverage: $116.1 million
- Retail and tourism: $133.7 million
- Transportation and flights: $124.5 million
- Future tourism impact: $136.6 million
The estimated $537.4 million USD in secondary spending illustrates what Shallow described as “the multiplier effect” of major cricket events.
But for Shallow, the takeaway wasn’t just economic—it was generational. “This last World Cup held in 2024 inspired a new generation of young people who now see cricket as a viable path—as cricketers, also as future coaches, administrators, broadcasters, sports marketers, and entrepreneurs.”
He issued a rallying cry to Caribbean governments: “This is not the time for complacency but for bold policy… we must continue to invest in our sporting infrastructure, strengthen our tourism product, enhance our digital and media capabilities, and create policies that attract international sporting bodies and investors.”
“Cricket is not just something of great significance in our past. It is an economic and social future path.”
In closing, Shallow turned from economics to emotion:
“I want to again extend my deepest gratitude to the ICC, the governments of the host nations… and most importantly, the people of our region. Every West Indian man, woman, boy and girl—you are the true champions of this tournament.”
“Through sports, through cricket, our potential (is) limitless. In the words of our brother David Rudder—let’s continue to rally. Rally around the West Indies. Long live West Indies.”
