ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that the second match of the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago bilateral series in the 2026 West Indies Championship has been abandoned as a draw due to dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
Play was halted during the first session on the third day after the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable and uneven behaviour, raising serious concerns for player safety. During this period, Leeward Islands player Jeremiah Louis was struck while batting. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and subsequently transported to the hospital for evaluation for a possible concussion. He is reported to be in stable condition.
The decision to abandon the match was made in accordance with the official playing conditions governing the competition. Under these conditions, when on-field umpires determine that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue, play must be stopped and the CWI Match Referee consulted.
Following discussions with the curator, it was determined that the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore deemed unfit for play to resume. As a result, the match was abandoned as a draw, with both teams awarded points earned up to the time of abandonment in accordance with the championship’s playing conditions.
CWI further advised that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the Championship Final, set for May 17–20, and confirmed that all necessary resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure the preparation of a safe and competitive playing surface for that fixture. It was also noted that the surface used for the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago match is one of six pitches available at the venue and differs from the one used for the opening match between Guyana and the Windward Islands.
CWI reiterated its commitment to prioritising player safety while maintaining the highest standards of pitch preparation and match operations across all venues.
Match Summary:
Leeward Islands — 131 & 140 for 7
Trinidad and Tobago — 175
Meanwhile, Guyana defeated the Windward Islands by an innings and 141 runs:
Windward Islands — 151 & 199
Guyana — 491
In the other match, Jamaica posted 457, while Barbados replied with 460 for 5, led by Kraigg Brathwaite (176) and Kevin Wickham (105). Barbados currently leads by 3 runs.