T&T hosts CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship

Cricket West Indies has announced that the 2025 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship is currently taking place in Trinidad and Tobago from July 8 to 19. The tournament, said a statement from CWI,  features some of the most promising young female cricketers from the Caribbean region, representing teams from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Windward Islands, last year’s runners-up Leeward Islands, and the defending champions, Guyana.

Now in its fifth year under the title “CWI Rising Stars Championship,” the competition originally began in 2009 as an invitational event organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association. In 2019, following the hosting of the 2018 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, CWI’s Board of Directors committed to providing full funding for the tournament.

The tournament has since become a key component of CWI’s annual regional age-group competitions. It is jointly managed by CWI and TTWCA and plays a significant role in CWI’s long-term strategy for player development and the expansion of women’s cricket across the Caribbean. Additionally, it serves as an important platform for identifying future talent for the West Indies international team.

During the event, a special Player Development Session is scheduled for July 9. This session aims to provide young athletes with essential skills both on and off the field. Topics covered will include sports psychology, nutrition and physical wellness, personal branding and social media awareness, as well as children’s rights and protection.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, highlighted the significance of the tournament in advancing women’s cricket. “The Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship is about more than just cricket; it’s about empowering young women, building their confidence, and preparing them for success both on and off the field,” he stated. “We are proud to see this tournament continue to grow and to serve a vital role in developing female cricket across the region.”

The competition promises to be intense, showcasing future stars as teams compete for regional bragging rights. Beyond the on-field action, the tournament’s developmental aspects support CWI’s broader mission to nurture young women athletes through education, awareness, and skill-building initiatives.

“This championship provides our girls with a platform to shine and prepares them for the responsibilities of being professional athletes and role models,” Bascombe added. “Our goal is to ensure that when they wear the maroon, they are not only talented cricketers but also well-rounded young women.”

Organizers say that building on recent momentum, the 2025 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship is expected to attract regional attention as interest in women’s cricket continues to grow. The event reaffirms CWI’s commitment to promoting female participation, engaging youth, and fostering sustainable development within West Indies cricket.

Matches are scheduled at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground at the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine, the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, and the National Cricket Centre in Couva. For additional information, fixtures, and updates, visit www.windiescricket.com.