Latest update April 16th, 2026 12:40 AM
GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL CONFIDENT SIR VIVIAN RICHARDS STADIUM WILL BE READY
The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosting the region
By Sean Devers in Antigua
Antigua Government official in charge of Sport and Recreational Facilities, Samuel Emmanuel Spencer, said a lot of work had been completed in getting the outfield at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium ready to international standards and he is confident that the ground will be ready to pass the ICC test in March.
The venue, which is hosting it’s first big game (the inaugural Day/Nigh Regional first class match between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago) since its first Test match was abandoned last February, looked very good with a well grassed and lush green outfield although the pitch was on the slow side.
“We definitely think that we are at that stage where we are ICC-ready again,” Spencer told reporters. “Preparation was done for the Leeward Islands tournament and there was a successful Under-15 tournament here as well so considerable amount of work has gone into organising the facility and I think by March we will definitely be ready.
Despite torrential rain for most of Sunday morning, the ground showed little effects from the adverse weather and remained fast during the penultimate day of the first class match on Sunday.
“This is a test for the ground and it will be proven to be up to ICC standards.” Spencer said.
The Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) in St Johns was used to host International matches in Antigua before the new facility became an International venue for the 2007 World Cup.
The second Test against England had to be abandoned because of a sandy outfield and while there are a few small patches of sandy areas still visible there was no concern for the fielders or bowlers during the Guyana/T&T match.
The Stadium’s inaugural Test match lasted just 10 balls before the match referee deemed the outfield dangerous to play and the venue was suspended for 12 months.
Matches in the male version of this year’s 20/20 World Cup which starts on April 30 in Guyana, will only be played in Guyana, Barbados and St Lucia while female matches will be held in St Kitts.
Antigua will not host any international games during the tours to the Caribbean by Zimbabwe and South Africa.
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