The Kensington Oval will play host to the 2026 edition of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as the beloved Caribbean T20 franchise competition returns to the Mecca of Caribbean cricket. Alongside the grand finale, all playoff games are expected to be played at the venue. This 14th edition of the CPL will follow what has been a successful 2025 tournament.
The move comes after the CPL playoffs were held in Guyana for four consecutive years, starting in 2022. According to reports, hosting the tournament in the “Land of Many Waters” generated US$84 million in 2022, followed by a record US$101.6 million in 2023. While official figures for 2025 are not yet available, the season’s record-breaking performance suggests it will be financially beneficial for the country.
Barbados is expected to reap similar benefits. In an interview with Chief Executive Officer of the CPL Pete Russell, he revealed that “more tickets than ever” have been sold in this year’s tournament and expressed confidence that the success will continue into 2026. Russell also anticipates a renewed and reinvigorated bounceback season for the Barbados Royals as they host the tournament on home soil, in front of a passionate Barbadian fan base.
“I think the Barbados team and I’m sure the management of the Barbados team will look at it very closely because you want the home team, the hosting team of the finals, to do well,” he said.
“I mean, we got Guyana in the finals here. It makes a big difference. But Barbados fans love cricket, so I’m sure they’ll come and watch whoever’s in the final. I think that franchise will get its act together and be very competitive next year. We’re changing the rules, of course, so everyone goes back into the draft at the end of this tournament. So the teams will look very different going forward, which is exciting as well.”
This marks the maiden CPL final to be hosted in the country.
(QSJ)
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