West Indies Cricket: Our Story

Explore WI cricket and its rise from colonial import to national pastime

On this four-week course, you’ll learn how cricket captured the imagination of the West Indian people and why it remains integral to Caribbean culture today.

Investigate how the colonisation of the West Indies led to a nation’s passion for cricket

You’ll discover how cricket was introduced to the islands through the colonisation of the West Indies. You’ll analyse what cricket looked like prior to 1928 and be able to explain how the sport has evolved into the modern game fans recognise today.

Discover WI cricket legends and learn how they helped shape a national identity

You will encounter some of the greatest cricketers of all time, like George Headley, and follow his journey to become the first international WI cricket star.

Using firsthand accounts, you’ll evaluate how the superstar status of cricketers from this era contributed to regional integration and nationalism. You’ll discover how WI cricketers made their mark on the world stage and helped place the team in a global context. With this knowledge, you will be able to track trends in WI cricket performance in relation to key historical moments.

Examine the rise in popularity of women’s cricket and cricket’s legacy in Caribbean culture

Almost 50 years after their male counterparts played their first test match, the West Indies Women’s Cricket team took centre stage.

The Windies have since made a name for themselves internationally. You’ll examine how the team emerged and explore their impressive track record over the years.

Once you’ve completed this course, you’ll understand how cricket became the most popular sport in the West Indies. You’ll be able to articulate the relationship between cricket and the culture, politics, and economy of the islands and appreciate the rich legacy of Caribbean cricket.

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in cricket and its worldwide history.

Whether you’re a sports journalist, a cricket player, or a cricket enthusiast, this course is ideal if you want to appreciate cricket in a wider cultural context.

No specific tools or software is required.

• Colonization, Cane and Cricket
• Welcome to the Course
• West Indies Mosaic
• Discussion and Engagement
• Quiz: Week 1
• Rise of WI Cricket Superstars, Regionalism and Nationalism
• Rise of WI Superstars
• WI cricket during the 1950s
• Reflection and Engagement
• Looking Back, Looking Ahead
• Quiz 2: Week 2
• Trends in WI Cricket: Calypso Cricketers
• West Indies Cricket Changes Hands
• Impact of politics on cricket in the Caribbean
• Debate: West Indies cricket style made them better suited for One Day Internationals.
• Commercialization of West Indies Cricket
• Post 1995 Decline
• Select a Metaphor
• Quiz 3: Week 3
• Women's Cricket, Culture and the Caribbean
• Looking Back: Looking Ahead
• West Indies Women Cricket Facts
• Preserving West Indies' Cricket legacy
• West Indies Cricket Artforms
• Impact of Cricket on Caribbean Culture
• Connection: How Similar or Different is your Cricket Culture to that of the West Indies
• Quiz 4: Week 4