Saint Lucia is set to take over the Windward Islands Volcanoes professional cricket franchise, effective October 1, 2026.
This change comes as the franchise transitions from its previous headquarters in Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to its new home in Saint Lucia.
On Friday, the Department of Youth and Sports officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Windward Islands Cricket Board Inc., marking a significant step forward for cricket in the region. The agreement will facilitate the hosting of the Windward Islands Volcanoes Franchise and will be in place until November 30, 2027.
A ministry official emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “The hosting of the Windward Islands Volcanoes represents an important opportunity to strengthen the development of cricket in Saint Lucia, provide greater support for local players and sporting professionals, and further establish the country as a premier destination for regional and international cricket.”
This partnership is expected to enhance Saint Lucia’s sporting infrastructure, create opportunities for young cricketers, and generate broader economic and sporting benefits for the nation. The Volcanoes will play their home matches at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground for at least the next three years, after previously being based at Arnos Vale since 2023.
Wayne Auguste, president of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association and vice-president of the WICB, along with Clement Marcellin, the president from Dominica, are leading this transformative effort.
Recently, the franchise announced a head coaching vacancy following Kenroy Peters’ resignation. The move reflects strong regional cooperation and confidence in Saint Lucia’s cricket facilities.
The island will also welcome back former New Zealand batting coach Bob Carter, who is set to lead a high-level training camp at DSCG following his new appointment as batting consultant for Cricket West Indies. Carter previously conducted a similar camp earlier this summer with the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre.
Establishing a full-time professional franchise in Saint Lucia will provide a structured development pathway, offering young players and local coaches regular opportunities to train alongside top regional talent and enhance their skills.