Antigua and Barbuda Cricketers Shine in UK Exchange Programme
Five of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth cricketers have returned from the 2025 edition of the Antigua Exchange Programme in the United Kingdom, marking a season of growth, achievement, and invaluable international exposure. Michael Greaves, Xaveek Toppin, Malique Walsh, Jared Jno-Baptiste ad Ozan Wiliams, have completed 4 months of cricket at clubs across England.
Founded in 2018 by Keith Wiliams of the Keyworth Cricket Club, Honourable Daryll Matthew MP, Minister for Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, the programme was designed to provide Antigua and Barbuda’s most promising youth players with the opportunity to develop and test their skills in English conditions. The experience gave the players the opportunity to refine their technique, embrace diverse playing conditions, and grow as both athletes and individuals.All five players also joined the touring Antigua and Barbuda cricket team which successfully competed in matches in the UK and Jersey, Channel Islands.
Michael Greaves, representing Grantham Cricket Club, exemplified versatility as an all-rounder. Over the season, he scored 1,288 runs at an average of 53.67, including three centuries and eight half-centuries, with a high score of 138. Greaves also claimed 29 wicketsat an average of 20.34, showcasing his dual skill set. Reflecting on the experience, he said: “Playing in England has refined my ability to perform under pressure and handle adversity, while captaining Antigua and Barbuda challenged me to strengthen my leadership skills. I will return home with confidence, positivity, and an improved strategic approach to the game.”
Xaveek Toppin, who played across Harrow St Mary’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd XI teams, celebrated significant personal and professional growth. Highlights included a top league score of 73 from 50 balls, bowling figures of 4 for 40, and a standout Sunday League performance of 100 and 5-22*. Toppin reflected: “This season has been transformative. The challenges of English conditions strengthened my resilience, sharpened my skills, and deepened my commitment to cricket. I am grateful to the High Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association for this invaluable opportunity.”
Malique Walsh represented Ellerslie Cricket Club, scoring 442 runs in 10 innings at an average of 44.20, with a strike rate of 129. Across all clubs, he amassed 1,174 runs from 28 innings, including three centuries and three half-centuries, alongside 20 wickets. Walsh described the season as both a personal and professional blessing: “Adapting to tough conditions helped me grow as a player. I’ve built lasting friendships and memories that I will carry forward in life and cricket.”
Jared Jno-Baptiste, playing for Grantham, enjoyed a productive season with over 700 runs and 30 wickets, including his first career century. He reflected: “It’s been a really good experience meeting new people, learning from them, and enjoying the game at a different level. I hope to return in the future.”
Ozan Williams, of Hucknall CC 2nd XI, scored a personal best of 48 runs against Calverton, embracing the unique challenges of English conditions. Williams shared: “The season gave me the chance to adapt, make friends, and create lifelong memories. I hope for the opportunity to return and showcase my skills again.”
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda commends these cricketers for their dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship, highlighting how such international exchanges not only enhance sporting performance but also foster personal growth, leadership, and cultural awareness.
This initiative reflects the tangible commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to nurture world-class talent, providing athletes with experiences that elevate both their skills and their sense of national pride. Some 35 young players including two females have so far benefitted from this programme. Another cohort will be selected for the 2026 season. Special thanks to Senator the Honourable Shenella Govia for assisting in arranging travel for the players and Jenny Garnham of Keyworth Cricket Club and Brent Scotland, Second Secretary at the High Commission for overseeing the administrative arrangements. Thanks are also extended to the UK participating clubs who continue to support this annual programme.
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Well our lone athlete in the World athletics championship hopefully will be on the tracks on Wednesday in the 200m, I know his chance his slim but let’s wish him well.
As a huge fan of track and field, this World championship is truly exciting, actually in my mind other than the big opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, this world championship is unmatched.
For one we can see the huge diversity of athletes from all corners of the world as they compete through each heats and so far we already have some interesting and exciting finals in both the male and female100m.
I know as a bye or special invite athlete you usually have to first prove yourself amongst all other special invitees in the 200m and if successful, you then move on to the heats, but let’s see.
Still waiting for news on our young athletic team that competed in the junior Pan Am games. Question with one invited athlete schedule to compete what’s the reason for Cornelius moonlighting Japan?