CPL 2025: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons issue apology to West Indies board after coach's comments

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have formally apologized to Cricket West Indies (CWI) after their head coach, Paul Nixon, publicly criticized the board over the handling of all-rounder Justin Greaves’ injury. The franchise clarified its position following Nixon’s strong comments, which had triggered debate during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 season.

Nixon, appointed Falcons’ head coach for the 2025 season, expressed his frustration after his team’s eight-wicket loss to Trinidad and Tobago on August 27. He alleged that the franchise had received no prior communication from CWI regarding Greaves’ injury, which occurred during the West Indies’ ODI series against Pakistan earlier in the month.

"I'm very disappointed that we've had no communication with Cricket West Indies in their backroom department for Greaves to come in to us a bit injured, more than a bit injured. So, that was disappointing. And just before the game, we found out these things. So, for me, that was a bit unprofessional and disrespectful, in a way. But we moved forward. He's had an injection. That hasn't worked. I've been a bit disappointed by how he's come back from West Indies cricket, if I'm being brutally honest. The communication was poor around that. So, that's one of our international all-rounders out, which is tough," he said as quoted by the Indian Express.

Nixon totally regrets any and all remarks made: Antigua and Barbuda Falcons

In reply to Nixon’s comments, the Falcons released an official statement asking fix to repair relations with CWI. The franchise emphasized that the statements were not intended to disrespect the board or undermine its role in player management.

"Paul Nixon, head coach of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, together with the Falcons’ management, would like to provide clarification regarding recent comments made about Cricket West Indies (CWI) during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL). We want to emphasize that there was no intention to offend or undermine the efforts of Cricket West Indies (CWI). Nixon totally regrets any and all remarks made. Both Paul Nixon and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons apologize for any unintended implications or offense these comments may have caused to CWI management and staff. We remain firmly committed to fostering a strong and collaborative partnership with CWI, one that is grounded in mutual respect and open, constructive dialogue to advance West Indies cricket,” the statement read.

The Falcons, who debuted in the CPL in 2024 under Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s coaching, endured a tough first season, finishing fifth. Under Nixon in the ongoing edition, they have registered three wins from seven matches and one no-result, placing them third in the standings. They next face the Saint Lucia Kings on August 31.