Cricket will be woven into the identity of the Commonwealth Business Forum when Antigua and Barbuda hosts CHOGM later this year, with organisers planning to use the sport to showcase the country and connect delegates from some of the world’s biggest cricketing nations.

Business Forum Task Force member Colin Knight said the Sticky Wicket Pavilion will be transformed for the forum and that organisers have deliberately selected a cricket-centred theme.

Knight said over the weekend that many of the Commonwealth’s largest member states are also major cricket nations, including India, Australia, England and Sri Lanka, while the Caribbean is represented through West Indies cricket.

He said organisers also intend to highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s own cricket legacy, including national hero Sir Vivian Richards and the country’s other celebrated cricket knights.

The Business Forum is one of four major forums surrounding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, alongside the People’s, Women’s and Youth forums.

Knight said the cricket theme is intended to give the event a distinct Antiguan character rather than simply replicating a conference format used elsewhere.

A cultural and small-business component is also being planned to showcase local artisans, products, food and other elements of Antigua and Barbuda’s identity to visiting delegates.

The forum is expected to bring together political leaders, business executives, investors and entrepreneurs for discussions on trade, investment and economic development across the Commonwealth.