Guyana, Barbados sign historic five-match Under-13 youth exchange agreement

Press Release from the Guyana Cricket Board

In a landmark move for youth cricket in the Caribbean, Head of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Bissoondyal Singh, and Head of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Calvin Hope have signed a historic agreement to facilitate an Under-13 cricket tour to Guyana.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 12-20 and will feature a five-match series, providing young players from both countries with early exposure to competitive cricket and the opportunity to develop their skills in a structured, cross-territory environment.

“The exchange programme between Guyana and Barbados is more than just a series of matches,” Singh said.

“It represents a shared vision of nurturing talent, fostering camaraderie, and creating opportunities for our young cricketers to thrive. By engaging players at the Under-13 level, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive future for cricket in the Caribbean.”

Commenting on the agreement Hope said, “This exchange programme offers massive benefits for our young cricketers. It provides them with invaluable experience, exposure to different playing conditions, and an opportunity to build friendships and networks beyond our borders. Initiatives like this are critical for developing the next generation of talent and ensuring the long-term growth of cricket in the Caribbean.”

The GCB emphasised that this initiative is part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots cricket across Guyana and the Caribbean.

By providing structured opportunities for young players to compete in international age-group competitions, the programme seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent from an early age, equip them with the skills, discipline, and competitive experience needed to excel, and create clear development pathways that lead from grassroots cricket to national and regional representation.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects the GCB’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between cricket boards across the Caribbean, fostering knowledge-sharing, best practices in coaching and administration, and a united approach to developing cricket at every level, thereby securing a strong and sustainable future for the sport regionally.

It must be noted that the GCB, in the recent past, had successfully conducted an Under-13 exchange programme with Trinidad and Tobago, further demonstrating its commitment to providing young players with exposure to competitive cricket across the region.

Looking ahead, the GCB is excited to welcome the Barbados team, as together we ignite the dreams and talents of our young cricketers, shaping the next generation of West Indies cricket superstars and setting a new benchmark for youth development in the Caribbean.