Breakout League in doubt as CWI seeks corporate partners

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow, has revealed that mounting financial pressures could significantly impact the staging of the regional Breakout League this year, with the possibility that the developmental tournament may only be held every other year going forward.
Speaking during CWI’s quarterly press conference on Friday last, Dr Shallow disclosed that the organisation was earlier forced to reschedule the tournament due to the financial burden associated with hosting the event.
“Earlier in the year we were forced to reschedule it because of the financial burden or cost to Cricket West Indies,” he said. “We thought of cancelling it altogether for this year, but we decided to postpone that decision and select the option of having it.”

The Breakout League, designed to showcase emerging cricketing talent across the region, is viewed as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of West Indies stars. However, CWI’s current financial constraints have placed the tournament’s immediate future in doubt.
Dr Shallow emphasised that the organisation was actively seeking corporate partnerships to offset hosting costs.
“Of course, we are open to exploring partnerships, and if we find someone in the corporate space, whether in the region or internationally, willing to meet us halfway to host that tournament, because we understand how critical it is to expose our young talent,” he explained. “We are still exploring those opportunities. Hopefully, we find a partner. In the absence of that, it would be difficult to have it this year.”
In addition to seeking corporate backing, CWI has also engaged key stakeholders, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and regional Governments, in discussions about the feasibility of staging the tournament later this year.

“What we have also explored and discussed is that it may be a case where practically we can only host the Breakout League every other year,” Dr Shallow said. “We are in the market exploring the possibilities, talking to our key partners like CPL and even Governments to see how possible it is to host this Breakout League later this year — but if not, definitely next year.”
The potential shift to a biennial format underscores the broader financial realities facing regional cricket administration. Nevertheless, Shallow reiterated CWI’s commitment to youth development and maintaining pathways for emerging players.
A final decision on this year’s tournament is expected in the coming months as negotiations with potential partners continue.