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By Samuel Peters
The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association championship Final was marred by unprecedented controversy that culminated in riot police being called to remove players from the field, after the Blackhawks were disqualified despite recording one of the most dominant semifinal victories in tournament history.
The drama began in the second semifinal at Liberta, where the Blackhawks faced Empire Nation in a match played under protest. Empire Nation objected to the inclusion of West Indies Academy player Rivaldo Clarke in the Blackhawks lineup, arguing that he should not be eligible as he had not played any preliminary matches for the team.
Despite the protest, the match proceeded with the Blackhawks making no changes to their team.
What followed was a batting masterclass that left spectators stunned. After bowling out Empire Nation for 129 in 34.3 overs, the Blackhawks produced a devastating response with the bat.
Zianni Da Silva provided some resistance for Empire with 37 runs, supported by Damian Lowenfield’s 26, while Hayden Walsh Jr was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 13, and Kadeem Phillip claimed 2 for 4.
However, when the Blackhawks began their chase, Clarke and Kofi James unleashed an assault on the Empire bowling attack. The pair reached 50 in just 2.5 overs and brought up the century in 6.3overs. Clarke, making his debut, smashed his half-century in a mere 17 balls, finishing unbeaten on 72, while James contributed a blistering 55 from 25 balls.
The Blackhawks secured victory by 10 wickets with 32 overs to spare, but their celebration was short-lived.
Following the semifinal, ABCA President Kuma Rodney announced via WhatsApp on Saturday night, that the Blackhawks had been disqualified from the final due to a breach of ABCA Rule 18.7, which states that overseas players must compete in at least four preliminary matches to be eligible for the finals. Since Clarke had not played any preliminary matches, this became the grounds for disqualification.
No official announcement was made by the cricket association at the time, but the president declared the decision final, with Empire Nation being granted passage to the championship match.
Liberta Sports Club responded officially the following morning with a formal letter challenging the decision. The club stated they had received no explanation as to who the player or players were that caused the breach of the ABCA Rule and demanded that the President’s communication be immediately withdrawn and retracted.
The letter indicated that Blackhawks intended to attend the final as scheduled, setting up a potential showdown.
True to their word, Blackhawks arrived at the final venue, accompanied by their legal representative, Attorney Wayne Marsh and with clear intent to play. The situation reached an impasse when the toss was about to be conducted.
In an unprecedented scene, all three captains made their way to the center of the pitch: Nino Henry (Lions), Rahkeem Cornwall (Blackhawks), and Justin Athanaze (Empire Nation). After Empire won the toss and elected to bat, both Empire and Blackhawks openers walked out to the middle alongside New Winthorpes Lions fielders, creating complete confusion.
The chaotic situation forced officials to call in the police, who proceeded to forcibly escort the disqualified players from the field and the official final between the Lions and Empire Nation proceeded.
The controversy has reportedly raised serious questions about the ABCA’s handling of player eligibility and communication protocols. The lack of official documentation regarding the disqualification decision and the dramatic scenes at the final have highlighted the need for clearer administrative procedures and better conflict resolution mechanisms within the association.
The incident represents one of the most controversial episodes in recent ABCA history and is likely to have lasting implications for how future disputes are handled by the governing body.
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