photo by Gov’t of Antigua and Barbuda
Five of Antigua and Barbuda’s most promising young cricketers have returned home after a successful season in the United Kingdom, where they gained international exposure, honed their skills, and represented their country with pride.
Michael Greaves, Xaveek Toppin, Malique Walsh, Jared Jno-Baptiste, and Ozan Williams spent four months competing with various cricket clubs across England as part of the 2025 Antigua Exchange Programme.
They also joined the touring Antigua and Barbuda national team, which recorded victories in matches played in both the UK and the Channel Islands.
The initiative, launched in 2018 by Keith Williams of the Keyworth Cricket Club, Minister for Education, Sports and the Creative Industries Daryll Matthew, and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, has already benefitted 35 young players, including two females.
It was designed to challenge Antigua and Barbuda’s top prospects in English conditions, giving them the chance to refine their technique while building cultural connections and personal resilience.
The players made their mark over the summer. Michael Greaves, representing Grantham Cricket Club, was outstanding as an all-rounder, scoring over 1,200 runs with three centuries and eight half-centuries, while also taking 29 wickets. Xaveek Toppin shone across several Harrow St Mary’s teams with a quickfire 73 in league play, a five-wicket haul, and a century in Sunday cricket.
Malique Walsh impressed at Ellerslie Cricket Club, where he notched up runs at a brisk strike rate and closed the season with three centuries, three half-centuries, and 20 wickets. Jared Jno-Baptiste contributed more than 700 runs and 30 wickets at Grantham, including his maiden century, while Ozan Williams earned valuable experience at Hucknall, scoring a personal best of 48 against Calverton and embracing the challenge of foreign conditions.
Reflecting on the experience, the players described the programme as transformative. Greaves said the summer taught him to perform under pressure and strengthened his leadership skills as he captained Antigua and Barbuda during the tour.
Toppin called the season “transformative,” saying English conditions sharpened his resilience and commitment to the sport. Walsh described the opportunity as both a blessing and a career-building experience, while Jno-Baptiste and Williams each expressed gratitude for the chance to meet new people, grow as cricketers, and make lifelong memories.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has commended the players for their dedication and discipline, noting that the exchange builds not only stronger athletes but also young leaders and cultural ambassadors.
Special thanks were extended to Senator the Shenella Govia for assisting with travel, Jenny Garnham of Keyworth Cricket Club and Brent Scotland of the High Commission for administrative support, and the UK clubs that continue to open their doors to Antiguan and Barbudan talent.
Another group of players will be selected for the 2026 programme, continuing the nation’s commitment to nurturing world-class cricketers and instilling national pride through international sporting opportunities.
Yayyyyy great job youngsters
Well done boys!
Big up to our young cricketers! This is how we keep Antigua and Barbuda’s cricket legacy alive.
Congratulations to the young men,bright futures ahead of you guys
The programme is doing wonders, not just for cricket skills, but for leadership and personal growth too.
Shoutout to all the mentors and organisers, without their support, opportunities like this wouldn’t exist.