Cricket set to return to Kensington Oval in 2026

By Kurtis Hinds

After several months of heated debate, Kensington Oval is set to host international cricket in 2026.

The issue of the historic venue’s initial non-selection for international or regional cricket this year has been a major bone of contention, with the ensuing debate even attracting the attention of Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Minister of Sport Charles Griffith, who, along with Cricket West Indies President Dr Kishore Shallow and Barbados Cricket Association President Calvin Hope, all weighed in.

Barbados TODAY has now been reliably informed by multiple sources that The Mecca is set to host two One Day Internationals during New Zealand’s upcoming tour of the region.

Discussions are said to be at an advanced stage for Barbados to host matches on July 18 and 21. All five ODI games were initially set to be played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, but the two countries are reportedly in discussions to split the associated costs of hosting the games.

The new plan is expected to be formally approved by CWI and the two governments imminently, before an official announcement is made.