It’s a double first – the first ever Cayman Islands National Women’s Cricket Team, and the first time that Cayman is hosting an international women’s cricket event.

The Pepsi International Cricket Council (ICC) Americas Women’s T20 Championship is scheduled to take place on Cayman soil between 22 and 29 April at the Jimmy Powell Oval in West Bay and Smith Road Oval in George Town.

Five countries’ teams will be joining the newly-formed Cayman Islands team – the US, Canada, Bermuda, Argentina, and Brazil. That will mean a total of more than 100 visitors to the Island, including teams, ICC Americas’ representatives and supporters.

The Cayman Islands Government stepped in with sponsorship of the Cayman Islands National Women’s Cricket Team with a grant of $20,000, which will be put towards team preparation, accommodation, clothing and equipment, and grounds preparation at both venues.

Secretary of the Cayman Islands Cricket Association (CICA), Sheila Rankine said:  “its an exciting time for us. It’s the first time the Cayman Islands has had a senior National Women’s team, and the first time we are participating in a tournament, so we are hoping that we can go out there and represent the Cayman Islands well. The winner of this would advance onto the World Cup Qualifiers.”