Looking Back: Cricket in Barbados

Cricket can be traced back to early 16th century England, it started off as a children’s game but developed from there and later transformed into the international sport popular around the world today. Cricket inBarbados dates to the late 18th century with the islands first inaugural match being played in February 1865 at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown. The West Indian Cricket Team was officially formed in the 1880’s and the game began to sweep the island by storm! At this time Barbados and the remaining Caribbean islands were still very much under Britain rule and therefore the West Indies team represented the British colonies of the West Indies Federation plus British Guyana. The game of cricket quickly became a popular pastime in Barbados and saw many young people developing their skills and taking on careers in the sport. By this time around every street corner in Barbados, the sound of wooden bats slapping against balls, , stomping feet running between makeshift wickets and excited screams of “howsdat” and “six” could be heard echoing around the island. Impressive skills were taking form and a deep love for the game of cricket was being implanted into the hearts of Barbadian’s island wide.

These young stars had a deep appreciation for the game and looked to Barbadian cricketing legends such Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Frank Worrell (also known as the three W’s),Charlie Griffith, Joel Garner and National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers for inspiration. These Barbadian legends have all made a significant impact on the game of cricket and to this day still hold the title of arguably the best batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders of all time!