The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons departed Antigua earlier today for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ready to begin their campaign in the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.
The Falcons will face the newly formed Jamaica Kingsmen in the opening encounter of the CPL season on Friday, August 7, at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown. The match begins at 7 p.m. local time and will also mark the first time St. Vincent and the Grenadines has hosted CPL matches.
Ahead of their departure, the core of the Falcons squad assembled in Antigua for an intensive four-day training camp at the Liberta Sports Club grounds at Ball Beef.
The camp provided the players and coaching staff with an important opportunity to work together, assess preparations and build the cohesion required for the competition.
Head Coach Paul Nixon said the period in Liberta was valuable in bringing the players together and sharpening the team’s focus ahead of its opening assignment.
“The value of a camp is enormous; the players and coaches build relationships and trust with each other. Great conversations happen, confidence building, players adjust to different surfaces. The camp helps build the foundation of our culture to move forward together. They get to know each other’s game, and it gives the coaches a great insight to the players as people too,” Nixon said.
Falcons Head of Operations Sabrina Webster said the camp formed a critical part of the franchise’s wider preparations for the new season.
“Camp is critical because it ensures that the players are prepared and ready to go. It gives them time to work together, develop an understanding of each other and create the synergy needed as a team. That is what we have been working to achieve,” Webster said.
The camp also allowed the Falcons to connect with the Liberta community, a strong cricket-loving fraternity whose outstanding players include Falcons Rahkeem Cornwall and Karima Gore, Assistant Coach Wilden Cornwall and Bowling Coach Sir Curtly Ambrose.
The president of the Liberta Sports Club and lead curator said the club was delighted to host the Falcons’ camp at Ball Beef.
“We were very honoured that they thought of us. And I must say that they were quite satisfied with the pitches, with the whole facility. They were quite impressed. There were even talks about, you know, they should probably have future camps here,” he said.
The choice of Liberta as the team’s preseason base also underscored the Falcons’ commitment to maintaining a strong connection with communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
Benjamin also endorsed the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons ahead of the 2026 season.
“I believe the Falcons will have a good season, based on what I’m seeing. You know, they’re having some new signings. They have some of the guys who are still there from last year.
“Obviously, T20 is very dynamic, and one over can determine your whole season. But what I saw in the last four days from the Falcons gives me the impression that they’re looking forward to the season, and they’re in very good spirits leaving Antigua today for St. Vincent,” Benjamin said.
Following their opening match against the Jamaica Kingsmen, the Falcons will return to the Arnos Vale Stadium on Sunday, August 9, to face the St. Lucia Kings.
The team will then turn its attention to its four home matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from August 20 to 25, when supporters will be invited to experience the excitement, entertainment and atmosphere of the Home of Party Cricket.
Under the 2026 campaign theme, “Come for the Fete. Stay for the Match,” Falcons supporters can expect a blend of competitive cricket and Antiguan and Barbudan culture throughout the season.
The feting begins with two watch parties at the Party Stand at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 7, and Sunday, August 9.
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