Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed plans to host a major celebration this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the West Indies’ first-ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup victory in 1975. The commemorative event will take place in Barbados and will honour one of the most iconic teams in cricket history.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow shared initial details at a recent media conference, emphasizing the significance of the moment for the region’s cricketing legacy. “This year we celebrate our 50th anniversary of the first World Cup success we had in 1975. We are in advanced planning stages… just a few things left to finalize,” he said.
“It will be a key feature of our annual calendar. We have some 12 of those legends still alive, and we are going to celebrate their success at an event hosted in Barbados. That is another fantastic event for us to look forward to this year, along with all the home series,” Shallow added.
Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring confirmed that a formal announcement with full details would be made soon. “Yes it is (true). But of course we will announce in due course the specific date and details of the celebration,” Dehring told Cricbuzz.
Legendary fast bowler Michael Holding, who was part of the iconic West Indies setup, welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. “I think it’s a great idea. I obviously don’t know the details of the celebrations but it’s a great idea to recognise our achievements,” Holding said.
“Everyone else shows pride in their achievements and don’t wait on others to shine a light on them. We need to write our own history and celebrate our achievements,” he added.
The West Indies won the inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975 under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd, defeating Australia in the final at Lord’s. The team would go on to dominate world cricket for over a decade, and the planned celebration is seen as a timely reminder of that golden era.
With 12 members of that legendary squad still alive, CWI’s plans to honour their contributions with a marquee event in Barbados underscore the board’s intent to preserve and elevate the region’s proud cricketing heritage.
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks as final preparations are completed.
