Former West Indies fast bowler and founder of the Grassroots Cricket Academy, Winston Benjamin, has strongly criticized the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) for what he describes as a “toothless” approach to youth cricket development, particularly in the female game.
Benjamin did not hold back in his assessment, calling for a complete revamp of the country’s cricketing structure.
“We need to revamp the whole cricketing structure in the country. The Antigua Cricket Association needs to put something in place because they are basically doing nothing. Apart from putting a fixture together, what else are they doing? Nothing,” Benjamin said.
He highlighted the ABCA’s failure to sustain previous development efforts, referencing a 2019 under-15 girls program that saw significant participation but was not followed up with additional initiatives.
“There were nearly a hundred girls at Rising Sun [grounds]. What happened after that? They stopped and there was nothing else,” he said.
Benjamin emphasized that a structured national program would not only encourage more young female players but also boost parental support and pride in representing Antigua and Barbuda.
“People want to represent their country. Parents would be more interested to hear their daughters are playing for Antigua rather than just for a local club,” he noted.
Despite a few female players currently active in club cricket, Benjamin believes a national structure is essential for meaningful growth. He currently coaches the Pigotts Crushers in the ABCA Two Day Championships.
