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Saturday, March 07, 2026
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New Era Dawns as 186 High Performance Academy Launches
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 A new era for Bermuda cricket is officially underway with the introduction of the 186 High Performance Cricket Academy, the island’s first dedicated high-performance pathway specifically for youth athletes. Owned and operated by Bermudian cricket legend Janeiro Tucker, the academy has set its sights on transforming the domestic game by providing a level of structure and world-class training previously unseen at the grassroots level.
The cornerstone of the academy’s offering is a comprehensive 27-week program designed to build skilled young cricketers through a balance of elite technical instruction and character development. Grounded in a philosophy of "fun first, fundamentals always," the curriculum aims to instill the discipline and resilience required for athletes to elevate their game to an international standard, taking the development of the sport "one over at a time".
To achieve its ambitious mission, the academy has secured a significant international coaching pedigree. Joining the staff is Mahesh Hatkar, a highly experienced coach with a thirty-year career that includes tenures with national teams from the UAE, Tanzania, and Uganda. Hatkar’s extensive background with global powerhouses like the Gary Kirsten Academy and Jonty Rhodes Academy is expected to provide Bermudian youth with unprecedented access to elite-level fielding and batting expertise.
The academy’s launch arrives at a pivotal moment for the sport in Bermuda, as the island prepares to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 Americas Sub-Regional Qualifiers in June 2026. By establishing a structured, high-performance environment, Tucker and his team are not only coaching athletes but are actively shaping the future leaders and national team stars of Bermudian cricket.
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Friday, March 06, 2026
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O’Brien Primed for Next Step in Global Cricket Pathway
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Bermudian all-rounder Isaiah O’Brien has returned to Canada to begin a rigorous four-week intensive high-performance training program as he looks to build on a breakthrough 2025 campaign. O’Brien, who previously impressed as part of the Ontario Cricket Academy (OCA), finds himself at the heart of a significant shift in North American cricket.
"Training is good," O'Brien said during a recent session. "We train every day—high-intensity training. We haven't really gotten into the middle yet because of the weather, but we have been in game-scenario net sessions.".
The four-week stint is designed as a launchpad for a busy international schedule. While initial plans included a tour of Sri Lanka, O’Brien confirmed that the academy is currently finalizing an alternative global destination to ensure the squad receives vital match practice ahead of the 2026 season.
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Saturday, February 28, 2026
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Hemp Appointed Head of Bangladesh High Performance
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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has moved to solidify its developmental ranks with the reappointment of former Bermuda national captain David Hemp on a new one-year contract. Hemp, who has become a fixture in the nation’s coaching setup, will now take the reins as the Head of High Performance (HP).
The 55-year-old returns to a familiar environment, having previously served as both the HP head coach and the batting coach for the men’s national senior side. His most recent assignment saw him guiding the Bangladesh women’s team during the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Thailand, where his methods earned significant praise from the playing group.
Hemp’s appointment is viewed as a strategic bridge between the youth academies and the senior international squads. A BCB official confirmed that the former Glamorgan and Warwickshire batter will continue on his previous salary terms, with his role designed to be fluid enough to address coaching requirements across multiple departments.
The High Performance unit is the primary engine room for Bangladesh's future talent, often serving as the final stepping stone for players moving into the "A" team or the senior XI. By retaining Hemp, the board aims to leverage his extensive knowledge of the local talent pool to strengthen both the men’s developmental pathway and the women’s national program.
Hemp brings a wealth of international experience to the role, including a prolific first-class career with over 15,500 runs and an ECB Level 4 coaching certification. Before his tenure in Dhaka, he served as the head coach of the Pakistan women’s national team and held senior coaching positions in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League.
The board’s decision to extend his stay follows reports of high player satisfaction and a desire for continuity as Bangladesh prepares for a busy 2026 international calendar. With series against India, Pakistan, and Australia on the horizon, the pressure is on the High Performance unit to ensure a ready supply of "match-ready" talent.
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Friday, February 27, 2026
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Cleveland County Launch Youth Cricket Drive for 2026 Season
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Cleveland County Cricket Club has officially opened its doors to the next generation of Bermudian talent, announcing that youth registration for the 2026 season is now underway. The club, a long-standing pillar of the local community, is inviting aspiring cricketers of all skill levels to join their ranks as they prepare for a bumper year of competition.
The Harrington Sound-based outfit will be fielding teams across a comprehensive range of age groups, ensuring a clear developmental pathway from grassroots to senior cricket. Registration is currently open for the following categories:
Under-7
Under-9
Under-12
Under-15
Under-18
As part of the registration drive, Cleveland County will be hosting meet-and-greet information sessions to introduce families to the club's philosophy and upcoming schedule. The club has confirmed that it will have representation in the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) Leagues, the prestigious Junior County Series, and a variety of internal club activities designed to foster team spirit and technical growth.
"We are seeking to nurture the next generation of cricketers, offering a supportive environment for young players to learn and develop their skills," the club stated, emphasizing that experience is not a prerequisite for those looking to start their cricketing journey.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to secure their child’s spot early to ensure they are part of the club's 2026 campaign.
Click Here to fill out the Registration Form https://form.jotform.com/260489129022153
Further Inquiries: Contact the club directly at sports@harringtonworkmens.com.
With the Eastern County Cup First Round against Bailey's Bay already on the horizon for the senior side this July, the youth program remains a vital component in ensuring Cleveland County's rich history continues to flourish on the pitch.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026
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MCC Announce Law Changes Set for October 2026
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Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced its new edition of the Laws of Cricket for 2026, which will come into force from October 1st.
This is the fourth edition of the 2017 Code of Laws. The second edition in 2019 was mostly clarification and minor amendments, but the 2022 edition made several significant changes.
This new edition has been drafted by MCC with two main principles in mind – that the Laws are up to date and fit for the modern game, and that they are inclusive for all.
MCC is publishing the Law changes now to allow them to be digested and understood before they come into force in October. Indeed, some of the changes have already been adopted as Playing Conditions by ICC and other Governing Bodies.
Some of the big talking points include:
1. The "Drama" Rule: No More Early Stumps
Perhaps the most significant change for Test and multi-day cricket is to Law 12.5.2.
The Change: If a wicket falls in the final over of a day’s play, stumps will no longer be called immediately. The incoming batter must now walk out, and the over must be completed in full (provided conditions allow).
The Reasoning: The MCC felt the previous rule was unfair to bowlers, as it let the incoming batter "off the hook" during a high-pressure period where bowling conditions are often at their peak.
2. Standardized Ball Sizes (Sizes 1, 2, and 3)
A major step for inclusivity and fairness in the women's and junior game.
The Change: Cricket balls are now officially categorized into three distinct, uniform sizes:
Size 1: The traditional "Men’s" ball (unchanged).
Size 2: The "Women’s" ball.
Size 3: The "Junior" ball.
The Impact: Previously, tolerances for smaller balls were wider, often leading to overlap where a "large" junior ball was bigger than a "small" women's ball. The new strict, uniform margins ensure consistent equipment for all pathways.
3. Laminated Bats Permitted in Adult Cricket
To combat the rising cost of equipment, the MCC has legalized Type D (laminated) bats for all open-age (adult) cricket.
The Details: These bats are made by bonding up to three pieces of wood together.
The Impact: While top-tier professionals will likely stick to single-piece willow, this allows manufacturers to use more of a willow tree, making high-quality bats more affordable for club and amateur players without providing a significant performance advantage.
4. Overthrows Finally Defined
For the first time in the history of the Laws, an "overthrow" has a formal definition (Law 19.8).
The Definition: An overthrow is now strictly defined as a deliberate attempt to throw the ball at the stumps to effect a run-out or prevent runs.
The Distinction: A misfield—even one that occurs while attempting to return the ball from the boundary—is officially distinct and will no longer be labeled an overthrow.
5. Tactical Penalties for "Short Running"
The fielding captain has been given a new tactical weapon to combat deliberate short runs.
The Penalty: If umpires deem a short run was deliberate, the fielding captain now has the power to choose which batter takes strike for the next delivery. This prevents a team from "gaming" the system to keep a set batter on strike.
6. Wicket-Keeper Positioning Relaxed
The MCC has acknowledged modern keeping techniques by relaxing Law 27.3.
The Change: Wicket-keepers will no longer be penalized (with a No-ball) for having their gloves marginally in front of the stumps during the bowler’s run-up.
The Catch: They must still be wholly behind the stumps at the moment of release, and they cannot move in front to collect the ball until it has passed the stumps or touched the batter.
Click Here to see the Full MCC New Edition of the Laws of Cricket for 2026
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