Four young Antiguan and Barbudan cricketers have travelled to the United Kingdom to begin four-month stints with English club sides, forming the seventh cohort of the Antigua Exchange Programme. According to Antigua.news, the initiative is designed to develop emerging local talent through competitive overseas cricket exposure.
This year's participants are Michael Greaves and Hilroy Andrew, who will play for Grantham Cricket Club; Mekaili Tonge, who joins Harrow St Mary's Cricket Club; and Jedidiah Martin, who will represent Belvoir Cricket Club.
The programme was developed through collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill, Keith and Chloe Williams of Keyworth Cricket Club in Nottingham, and former Sports Minister Daryll Matthew. The initiative has previously helped participants secure overseas contracts and return to England as registered players in subsequent seasons.
Selection of the 2026 cohort was led by a panel that included former West Indies fast bowler Winston Benjamin, alongside Hugh Smith and Essan Warner, both of whom have been involved in identifying and supporting emerging talent in Antigua and Barbuda.
Before departing, the players attended an orientation session led by Sports Commissioner Dr Colin Greene and Aldo McCoy. The session focused on discipline, adaptation to UK conditions, and the responsibility of representing Antigua and Barbuda on an international stage.
The High Commission recognised donors Ophir and Ann Chapman-Daniel for their continued financial support, crediting their contributions with helping to sustain the programme over successive years.
High Commissioner Hill described the exchange as an important platform for youth development, noting that it builds not only cricketing skills but also character and international awareness among participants.
The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London extended best wishes to the four players as they begin their English season, calling the programme a growing bridge between Caribbean cricket development and opportunities in the United Kingdom.
