Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Issue Formal Apology to Cricket West Indies Over Justin Greaves Injury Row

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have officially apologized to Cricket West Indies (CWI) following controversy surrounding comments made by their head coach, Paul Nixon, regarding the management of all-rounder Justin Greaves’ injury. Nixon’s candid remarks had sparked considerable debate during the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, prompting the Falcons to clarify their stance and maintain strong relations with the regional cricket board. The incident highlighted tensions between franchise teams and national boards, emphasizing the need for clear communication when international players transition to domestic tournaments.

Paul Nixon, who was appointed as the Falcons’ head coach for the 2025 season, expressed his frustration after the team suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Trinidad and Tobago on August 27. He explained that the franchise had received no prior notification from CWI about Greaves’ injury, which occurred during the West Indies’ ODI series against Pakistan earlier in the month. According to Nixon, this lack of communication placed the Falcons in a difficult position, as they only discovered the severity of Greaves’ condition shortly before the match. “I’m really disappointed because we had no communication from Cricket West Indies about Justin Greaves’ injury. He joined us already injured, and we only found out just before the game. I felt that was unprofessional and disrespectful. He even had an injection, but it didn’t work. Honestly, I’m not happy with the way he returned from West Indies cricket. The communication was very poor, and now we’ve lost one of our key all-rounders, which is a big setback,” Nixon told the Indian Express. His comments reflected the challenges franchise teams face when relying on international players, especially when injury updates are not timely or fully disclosed.

In response to the situation, the Falcons quickly issued an official statement to repair relations with CWI and emphasize mutual respect. The statement clarified that Nixon’s remarks were not intended to disrespect or undermine the board’s authority in managing players. “Paul Nixon, head coach of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, along with the team management, wants to clarify his recent comments about Cricket West Indies (CWI) during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). They stressed that there was no intention to disrespect or undermine CWI’s work. Nixon regrets all his remarks. Both he and the Falcons apologize for any unintended offense caused to CWI staff or management. They remain committed to maintaining a strong, respectful, and cooperative relationship with CWI to support and grow West Indies cricket,” the statement read. This move highlighted the Falcons’ dedication to fostering a collaborative environment that balances the interests of both franchise and national cricket structures.

The Falcons, who made their CPL debut in 2024 under former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, endured a challenging inaugural season, finishing fifth. Despite a rocky start, the franchise has shown improvement in 2025 under Nixon’s guidance. They have secured three victories from seven matches, with one match ending in a no-result, positioning them third in the current standings. This improvement indicates the team’s growing cohesion and adaptation to CPL’s competitive environment. Their upcoming match against the Saint Lucia Kings on August 31 represents another opportunity for the Falcons to consolidate their performance and maintain momentum in the tournament.

The incident involving Nixon and Greaves underscores the importance of communication between national boards and franchise teams, particularly regarding player fitness and availability. While the situation initially caused tension, the Falcons’ formal apology and Nixon’s acknowledgment of his remarks demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and respect within West Indies cricket. Moving forward, the franchise aims to strengthen collaboration with CWI, ensuring that both player welfare and team strategy are carefully managed, contributing to the overall growth and development of cricket in the Caribbean. The episode also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance franchises must strike between competitive ambitions and maintaining positive relations with cricketing authorities.

Overall, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons’ swift apology and proactive communication reflect their dedication to the sport and its governance. By addressing the controversy responsibly, they have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the values of West Indies cricket while continuing to compete effectively in the CPL 2025 season.