Sports
Antigua and Barbuda welcome the world to the Grand Cricket Tournaments this summer
BY KRISHNA MISTRY
To all cricket fans, Antigua and Barbuda welcome you all to the Grand Cricket Tournaments this summer! Two major cricket events are happening at the twin islands of the paradise of Antigua and Barbuda this year. They are hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, and FairBreak T20.
They have started their promotion for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with an innovative marketing campaign, ‘Be’, and the Antigua and the Barbuda Tourism Authority is inviting cricket fans to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the game in Antigua and Barbuda.
The CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, gives us insight into their campaign: “Our ‘Be’ campaign is about being present in the moment, allowing one’s senses to awaken to the variety of experiences Antigua and Barbuda has to offer. From exploring our heritage and vibrant culture to indulging in the thrill of sailing and yachting, finding solace in our wellness havens, or being romanced in our intimate settings, the campaign beckons visitors to be present and embrace every aspect of our unique destination.”
The campaign rolled out this month, with a “Be” video tailored specifically for cricket fans, as Antigua and Barbuda – known for its rich cricketing culture – prepares for a summer of fantastic cricket. This month, the campaign started with a special video for cricket fans, showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s rich cricketing tradition ahead of a summer packed with thrilling cricket action.
The video depicts a cricket ball in space that lands on a beautiful Antiguan beach, accompanied by delighted local children. The ball’s journey takes it to iconic landmarks like Shirley Heights and Nelson’s Dockyard, through bustling restaurants and tranquil spas, accompanied by the sound of a conch shell signaling the beginning of the festivities.
The “Be” cricket campaign will be released across key source markets for Antigua and Barbuda, targeting potential travelers interested in cricket. It will appear in digital, print, social media, and radio advertising for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
The video featured Sir Richie Richardson, a West Indies cricket legend and one of the country’s cricketing knights. He exclaims, “You’ve got to Be Here,” during the “Be” campaign as he shares a warm invitation to all cricket fans to experience the cricketing action, soak up the ‘cricket carnival’ atmosphere Antigua and Barbuda is famed for and “be a part of the game” in his homeland.
Antigua and Barbuda astronaut Keisha Schahaff, the first person in the world to go to space with her daughter, also appears in the video that plays on elements of the “Out of this World.”
The ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup comes to Antigua this June. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup isn’t the only prestigious cricket tournament coming to Antigua and Barbuda this year.
The FairBreak T2O Challenge will celebrate Women’s Cricket in July. Then, from August 28th – October 6th the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL24) will take place across the Caribbean, with key matches in Antigua.
In November, England’s Men’s Cricket will once again tour the West Indies for a white ball series, with fixtures and matches across Antigua and the Caribbean. The full schedule of the upcoming ICC T20 Fixtures taking place in Antigua are:
June 9th, 2024 – Oman vs Scotland
June 11th, 2024 – Australia vs Namibia
June 13th, 2024 – England vs Oman
June 15th, 2024 – Namibia vs England
June 19th, 2024 – A2 vs D1
June 20th, 2024 – B2 vs D2
June 22nd,2024 – A1 vs D2
June 23rd ,2024 – C2 vs D1