Independence Masters Cricket Tournament Sees Largest Turnout Yet with 21 Teams

By S.Browne. Updated 3:01 p.m., Thusday, October 23, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The 2025 Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament will host its largest turnout yet, with 21 teams from across the Caribbean, North America, and the United Kingdom participating.

The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, through the Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the SVG National Sports Council, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, and the Ministry of Sport, has officially launched the Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament, which will run from October 24th to November 1st, 2025.

This year’s tournament, forming part of the nation’s 46th Independence celebrations, will feature a line-up of 21 teams from across the Caribbean, North America, and the UK, bringing together over 400 visitors including players, coaches, officials, and families for ten days of high-energy cricket, camaraderie, and Vincentian hospitality.

The tournament will culminate in a show-stopping finale on Saturday, November 1st, with the West Indian Masters XI facing off against the Rest of the World Masters XI in a T20 night match at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground.

Cricket fans are in for a treat, as the West Indian Masters XI will feature an all-star line-up of regional legends, including Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Mervyn Dillon, Sulieman Benn, and our own Nixon McLean, Ian Allen, and Kesrick Williams.

Speaking at the media launch, Minister James remarked: “The Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament represents the spirit of our nation, one that celebrates talent, unity, and resilience. It is a proud reflection of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ growing reputation as a destination where sports, culture, and tourism come together to create experiences that captivate the world. Hosting such a prestigious tournament during our Independence celebrations strengthens our sports tourism portfolio and provides meaningful opportunities for our people, from our vendors and hotels to our youth and athletes. We look forward to welcoming our regional and international guests to what promises to be an extraordinary showcase of Vincentian pride, culture, and hospitality.”

Minister of Sports, Orando Brewster, highlighted the tournament’s role in community development and youth engagement: “This tournament underscores our commitment to sports development and the empowerment of our athletes and communities. It is more than a competition; it is a bridge that connects generations, inspires youth participation, and showcases the immense potential of sports as a driver of tourism and national pride. Through partnerships such as this one with the Tourism Authority and the National Sports Council, we are demonstrating that sports is an essential pillar of our economic and cultural advancement. I am confident that this tournament will leave a lasting legacy for St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority said it is partnering closely with the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports to position the tournament as a key sports tourism initiative, drive visitor arrivals during the Independence season, and enhance St Vincent and the Grenadines’ reputation as a premier sporting destination in the Caribbean.

“The Independence International Masters Cricket Tournament is expected to become an annual fixture on St Vincent and the Grenadines’ sporting calendar, strengthening the island’s legacy as a hub for cricket, culture, and community celebration,” the Tourism Authority said.

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The information was sourced from a press release sent to us by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority.