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A Game-Changing Moment for the Caribbean
CWI celebrates $1.66 billion boost from T20 World Cup—and President Dr. Kishore Shallow is calling it a “transformative moment” for the entire region. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, generated US$1.66 billion in economic impact across the Caribbean.
Yes, CWI celebrates $1.66 billion boost from T20 World Cup, and it’s more than just numbers—it’s a signal that cricket is an economic game-changer for the islands.
Regional Impact That Reached Everyone
This windfall wasn’t limited to stadiums. Every island that hosted matches saw strong financial returns, directly touching local businesses, workers, and families. An independent report by ICC and Nielsen Sports revealed massive benefits:
| Island | Economic Impact (USD) |
|---|---|
| Barbados | $426.4 million |
| St. Vincent & Grenadines | $224.8 million |
| St. Lucia | $132.5 million |
| Antigua & Barbuda | $114 million |
| Guyana | $76.7 million |
| Trinidad & Tobago | $68.9 million |
Dr. Shallow emphasized that these aren’t just figures. “They represent real income, real jobs, and real progress,” he said.
Sectors That Benefited the Most
The tournament injected money across several sectors:
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Accommodation: $174.3 million
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Food & Beverage: $116.1 million
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Retail & Tourism: $133.7 million
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Transport & Flights: $124.5 million
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Future Tourism Impact: $36.6 million
A total of 383,000 fans attended matches, many of them visiting the Caribbean for the first time. The secondary spending impact alone was estimated at $537.4 million, amplifying the tournament’s overall value.
Time to Invest in the Future
Shallow believes this is only the beginning. “We’ve been too dependent on traditional industries. This World Cup has shown that sport—especially cricket—is a powerful economic engine,” he said.
He urged Caribbean governments and investors to:
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Develop better stadiums
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Strengthen sports-tourism strategies
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Upgrade digital and media platforms
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Attract global partnerships and events
As the West Indies prepare to mark 50 years since their first Cricket World Cup title in 1975, this modern-day success could shape a future filled with more than just runs and wickets—it could bring economic transformation.
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