CWI to lead formation of La Federación de Críquet de las Américas (FECA)
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – July 9, 2025 – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a bold initiative to shape the future of cricket across North, Central, and South America, unveiling plans to establish a new regional body called La Federación de Críquet de las Américas (FECA).
This landmark step positions CWI — the only ICC Full Member in the hemisphere — as a driving force in building sustainable cricket ecosystems throughout the Americas, aligning with the sport’s growing global footprint and its historic return to the Olympic Games.
Cricket hubs emerging across Latin America
With vibrant cricketing activity already underway in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, CWI sees significant potential for structured development, cross-border collaboration, and deeper regional relevance. Brazil alone boasts 72,000 registered players, the majority of them women playing under professional contracts.
“This marks a pivotal step in advancing cricket across the Americas,” said CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow. “Cricket West Indies embraces its responsibility not only to the Caribbean but to the wider region.”
Strategic roadmap and new competitions
CWI’s plans include:
- The formation of FECA as a unified regional body for cricket governance
- Participation in the Bolivarian Games in Peru (November 2025)
- Caribbean nations competing in the 2027 Pan American Games
- Development partnerships with countries such as Bahamas, Bermuda, and USA
“Our efforts to expand cricket must redound positively to each country under our remit,” said CWI CEO Chris Dehring. “This growth will uplift national programs and strengthen West Indies cricket by broadening our base and increasing opportunities.”
Collaboration already underway
CWI’s commitment is already visible through youth partnerships. Two U.S. youth teams are currently competing in CWI’s Rising Stars U19 Tournament in St. Kitts, demonstrating early collaboration between West Indies and North American development systems.
“Including teams from the Americas in our tournaments brings clear mutual benefits,” said CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe. “It expands our competitions and creates capacity-building opportunities across the region.”
Olympic pathway and long-term vision
The November inclusion of four Caribbean senior teams in the Bolivarian Games will mark cricket’s symbolic entry into the South American sporting community. The 2027 Pan American Games will serve as another major milestone, aligning with cricket’s reintroduction to the Olympic stage.
With the proposed launch of FECA, CWI is positioning itself as the central force in the transformation and globalization of cricket across the Western Hemisphere.
This initiative represents a historic new chapter in the region’s sporting evolution — one with long-term impact and global significance.
