Preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) have moved into Antigua and Barbuda’s cricket scene, with organisers using the Caribbean Premier League to build public awareness and excitement ahead of the November gathering.

The CHOGM Media and Public Affairs Committee staged its first CPL public-engagement activation at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday evening during the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ match against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

The initiative brought the CHOGM 2026 campaign directly to cricket fans through branding, photography, social media content and audience participation.

Spectators were given co-branded “4” and “6” boundary cards to raise whenever boundaries were scored, while fans were also invited to take photographs with CHOGM-branded signs and handheld cut-outs.

Social media correspondents moved throughout the stadium speaking with spectators and capturing photographs, videos, interviews and vox pops.

The conversations focused on cricket, national pride, the legacy of Sir Vivian Richards and what visitors should experience when they travel to Antigua and Barbuda for CHOGM.

Fans were also asked what destination or activity they would recommend to the more than 5,000 people expected to visit the country for the international meeting.

Branding Lead for the CHOGM Media and Public Affairs Committee, Chaneil Imhoff, said the initiative is intended to make CHOGM more visible and relatable to residents.

“CHOGM is much more than the meetings taking place in November. It is a national moment, and our responsibility is to bring the public into the journey in ways that feel engaging, accessible and authentically Antiguan and Barbudan,” Imhoff said.

She said cricket was a natural fit for the campaign because of its deep connection to the country’s identity, describing the CPL as an ideal opportunity to combine national pride, public participation and awareness of CHOGM.

Imhoff also thanked the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons for supporting the initiative and assisting with the production of the co-branded boundary cards.

Co-Chair of the CHOGM Media and Public Affairs Committee, Sharifa George, said the collaboration forms part of a wider effort to sensitise the public ahead of the meeting.

“As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome thousands of delegates and visitors from across the Commonwealth, it is important that our citizens understand the significance of CHOGM and experience the unity that the Commonwealth represents,” George said.

She added that cricket’s longstanding place in Antigua and Barbuda’s history made the CPL activation an important part of building momentum towards November.

The campaign will continue during the remaining CPL matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on August 22, 23 and 25.

Organisers are also expected to hold further discussions with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on continued collaboration ahead of a CHOGM cricket celebration planned for later this year.

Antigua and Barbuda will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from November 1 to 4, bringing leaders, delegates and representatives from across the Commonwealth to the country.

The meeting will be held under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”