Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Pitch Report, Records, Stats & Complete Guide
By Ahmed Raza | Last updated: August 11, 2026
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy — commonly referred to as the BLCA or Brian Lara Stadium — is the Caribbean’s most modern multi-purpose cricket facility. Located in Tarouba, just south of San Fernando in Trinidad and Tobago, the venue is named in honour of the West Indies’ greatest ever batsman, Brian Charles Lara. He holds two of cricket’s most storied records: the highest individual score in Test cricket (400 not out vs England, 2004) and the highest individual score in first-class cricket (501 not out for Warwickshire, 1994). The stadium is more than a cricket ground — it is a living tribute to a cricketing legend, a developmental hub for Caribbean talent, and an international-standard venue that has hosted ICC events, CPL, and Women’s internationals. In July 2026, it wrote a new chapter by staging its first-ever men’s Test match, with West Indies beating Pakistan by 90 runs.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is a 15,000-capacity international cricket stadium in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. Named after West Indies legend Brian Lara, it opened in 2017 and has hosted T20Is, ODIs, CPL matches, and ICC T20 World Cup 2024 matches. It hosted its first Test match in July 2026.
See also: CPL 2026 Full Schedule & Fixtures
Stadium Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Brian Lara Cricket Academy |
| Also Known As | Brian Lara Stadium / BLCA |
| Location | Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Established | 2007 (construction); inaugurated 2017 |
| Capacity | 15,000 (fixed seating + grass banks) |
| Owner | Government of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Operator | Government of Trinidad and Tobago |
| Home Tenants | Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Trinidad & Tobago national team |
| Ends | North End, South End |
| Boundary Length | 60–72 metres (shortest to longest) |
| Floodlights | Yes (day-night matches supported) |
| Architect | Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), USA |
| Total Project Investment | TT$1.1 billion |
| Land Area | 180 acres |
| Coordinates | 10°17′48″N, 61°25′47″W |
Key Milestones
- 2007: Ground construction begins as part of ICC World Cup 2007 infrastructure; delays mean warm-up matches move to UWI’s Frank Worrell Field.
- 2017: Stadium officially inaugurated; hosts CPL 2017 finals.
- 2017–2020: CPL Finals held at the BLCA consecutively.
- 2017: First Women’s ODI staged (West Indies vs Sri Lanka, October 2017).
- 2022: First men’s T20I hosted (West Indies vs India, July 29, 2022).
- 2023: First men’s ODI hosted (West Indies vs India, August 1, 2023).
- 2024: Hosts five matches at the ICC T20 World Cup, including Semi-Final 1.
- 2025: Hosts the inaugural West Indies Breakout League (all 17 matches).
- January–February 2026: Hosts the West Indies Breakout League again, staging all fixtures.
- July 25–28, 2026: Hosts its first-ever men’s Test match — West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs, with Justin Greaves named Player of the Match and Jayden Seales taking a five-wicket haul to seal the win.
- August–September 2026: Hosts five Trinbago Knight Riders home matches during CPL 2026.
Location & Capacity
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy sits in Tarouba, a suburb of San Fernando — Trinidad’s second-largest city — in southern Trinidad. It is positioned beside the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, approximately two kilometres southeast of the older Guaracara Park ground in Pointe-a-Pierre. The location, roughly four kilometres from the coastline, places it in a tropical zone with predictable seasonal weather patterns.
Getting There:
- By road: 30–35 minutes south of Port of Spain via the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway.
- By public transport: Maxi-taxis and route taxis from San Fernando city centre.
- Nearest town: San Fernando city centre, approximately 5 km.
Stadium Layout:
- 15,000 fixed seats across multiple stands.
- Additional grass bank seating for overflow crowds during high-demand fixtures.
- Modern media centre, high-quality practice pitches (multiple nets), player facilities, and a dedicated cricket academy wing used for youth development programmes.
Pitch Report
The BLCA pitch is one of the most discussed surfaces in Caribbean cricket. Understanding its characteristics is crucial for match prediction, fantasy cricket, and tactical analysis.
Pitch Characteristics
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Hard, well-grassed surface |
| Pace & Bounce | Good pace and carry, especially early |
| Swing | Some movement in early overs for seamers |
| Spin | Significant assistance from middle overs onward |
| Dew Factor | Relevant in evening matches (favours chasing) |
| Wear Pattern | Progressive deterioration aids off-spin and leg-spin |
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown (T20)
Powerplay (Overs 1–6): The pitch offers genuine pace and carry. New-ball bowlers — especially right-arm pace — get appreciable seam movement. A good powerplay score is 45–55 runs.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15): This is where the BLCA pitch becomes most intriguing. Spinners come into play meaningfully. The surface grips, and off-spinners/left-arm orthodox bowlers can extract sharp turn.
Death Overs (Overs 16–20): The pitch flattens out somewhat, and bigger hitting is possible. However, if spinners have done their job, the pitch can be two-paced.
Average Scores at a Glance
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Typical Winning Score |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | 150–165 | 160–175 |
| CPL T20 | 141 (historical avg) | 148–160 |
| Women’s T20I | 130–145 | 140–155 |
| ODI | Limited data (1 match) | 280+ |
| Test | 311 (1st Test, 2026) | Variable — small sample |
Toss Advantage
Analysis of CPL data shows chasing teams have won 17 out of 30 T20 matches at this venue. Dew in evening fixtures and the pitch’s progressive deterioration mean batting second offers a notable advantage. Captains winning the toss typically choose to field first in day-night games.
Pro Tip for Fantasy Cricket: Always prioritise spinners in your fantasy XI at the BLCA, especially for middle-over picks. Sunil Narine’s economy of 5.56 at this venue illustrates how restrictive quality spin can be here.
Weather Report
Tarouba sits in a tropical savanna climate zone with two distinct seasons.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Humidity | Rain Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | December – May | 24–31°C | Moderate (65–75%) | Low (5–15%) |
| Wet Season | June – November | 25–31°C | High (80–90%) | Medium–High (25–55%) |
Key Weather Notes:
- June–November matches carry a real risk of rain delays. The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was played in June, and several games in the Caribbean were affected by rain.
- Thunderstorms are most frequent in September–October; matches scheduled in these months may see DLS intervention.
- Morning matches are generally drier than afternoon/evening fixtures during the wet season.
- Wind: SE trade winds of 15–25 km/h are consistent, which can subtly affect ball trajectory at the North End.
- Humidity at night creates dew, significantly easing batting conditions for the side chasing in T20 matches.
Expert Weather Insight: Unlike many Caribbean venues, the BLCA’s inland Tarouba location means sea-breeze cooling kicks in later in the evening. This creates a window between 7–9 PM local time where dew settles fastest — a key factor in death-over bowling, and worth watching for CPL 2026’s evening fixtures at the ground.
T20 Records
T20I Records (International)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total (T20I) | 267/3 — England vs West Indies, December 2023 |
| Highest Individual Score (T20I) | 119 off 57 balls — Phil Salt (England) vs West Indies, December 2023 |
| First T20I | West Indies vs India, July 29, 2022 |
| Most T20Is Hosted | 9+ as of 2025 |
Phil Salt’s 119 (Dec 2023): This innings redefined scoring expectations at the BLCA. Salt’s strike rate of 208.77, featuring 7 fours and 10 sixes, powered England to 267/3. England then bowled West Indies out for 192 to win by 75 runs.
CPL T20 Records (All-Time at Venue)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total (T20) | 267/3 — England (T20I, Dec 2023) |
| Highest CPL Team Total | 185/3 — Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Tallawahs, CPL 2020 |
| Lowest Team Total | 55 — Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Lucia Zouks, CPL 2020 Semi-Final |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/14 — Naveen-ul-Haq (Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Tridents, CPL 2020) |
| Most T20 Runs (All formats) | 517 — Colin Munro (15 matches, avg 51.70, SR 127.33) |
| Most T20 Wickets (All formats) | 18 — Sunil Narine (15 matches, avg 18.55, econ 5.56) |
| Highest Partnership (T20) | 138* — Lendl Simmons & Darren Bravo (CPL 2020 Final, TKR) |
| Highest Successful Chase (CPL) | 169 — Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs, CPL 2017 Eliminator |
T20 Batting Leaderboard (All Formats)
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colin Munro | 15 | 517 | 51.70 | 127.33 |
| 2 | Johnson Charles | 15 | 375 | — | — |
| 3 | Shimron Hetmyer | — | 259 | — | 140.00 |
| 4 | Brandon King | — | 221 | — | 112.18 |
T20 Bowling Leaderboard (All Formats)
| Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunil Narine | 15 | 18 | 18.55 | 5.56 |
| 2 | Akeal Hosein | — | — | — | — |
| 3 | Naveen-ul-Haq | — | Best: 4/14 | — | — |
ODI Records
The BLCA has hosted limited ODI cricket. The first men’s ODI at the venue was played on August 1, 2023, between the West Indies and India.
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First ODI | West Indies vs India, August 1, 2023 |
| Result | India won by 200 runs |
| Most Recent ODI | West Indies vs Pakistan, August 12, 2025 |
| Total Men’s ODIs Hosted | 2+ (as of 2025) |
| First Women’s ODI | West Indies vs Sri Lanka, October 11, 2017 |
Notable Stat: India’s 200-run victory in the first ODI at the venue remains one of the most emphatic winning margins in West Indies ODI history at any ground.
Test Records — The BLCA’s First-Ever Test Match
The BLCA hosted its first men’s Test match from July 25–28, 2026, when West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening match of a two-match series — a landmark moment that made the ground one of only a handful of Caribbean venues to stage Test cricket.
1st Test Summary: West Indies vs Pakistan (July 25–28, 2026)
| Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| West Indies 1st Innings | 311 (Shai Hope 92, Kavem Hodge 84; Mohammad Ali 4/50, Mohammad Abbas 3/63) |
| Pakistan 1st Innings | 282 (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63; Justin Greaves 5/27) |
| West Indies 2nd Innings | 181 (Mohammad Abbas 5/22) |
| Pakistan 2nd Innings | 120, chasing 211 (Babar Azam 58*; Jayden Seales 5/20) |
| Result | West Indies won by 90 runs |
| Player of the Match | Justin Greaves (5/27, 20 & 2/12) |
Jayden Seales’ second-innings 5/20 — his fifth Test five-wicket haul — triggered a Pakistan collapse to 71/9 before Babar Azam’s unbeaten 58 and a last-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas delayed the finish. West Indies captain Roston Chase dedicated the win, the ground’s first Test result, to the late Sir Garry Sobers. Pakistan won the second and final Test of the series at Queen’s Park Oval by 8 wickets, meaning the two-match series finished drawn 1-1.
Test Records Summary (BLCA)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Tests Hosted | 1 |
| First Test | West Indies vs Pakistan, July 25–28, 2026 |
| Highest Team Total (Test) | 311 — West Indies, 1st innings, 2026 |
| Lowest Team Total (Test) | 120 — Pakistan, 2nd innings, 2026 |
| Highest Individual Score | 109 — Shan Masood (Pakistan), 2026 |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 5/20 — Jayden Seales (WI) vs Pakistan, 2026 |
| Result | West Indies won by 90 runs |
As the sample is limited to a single match, these are early records rather than long-run venue trends — but the result already points to a pace-dominated surface: all 40 wickets in the match fell to seam bowling.
Highest & Lowest Team Scores
Highest Team Scores at BLCA
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 311 | West Indies | Pakistan | 2026 |
| T20I | 267/3 | England | West Indies | 2023 |
| CPL T20 | 185/3 | Trinbago Knight Riders | Jamaica Tallawahs | 2020 |
| Women’s T20I | 169 | (Highest WT20I score at venue) | — | — |
Lowest Team Scores at BLCA
| Format | Score | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 120 | Pakistan | West Indies | 2026 |
| CPL T20 | 55 | Guyana Amazon Warriors | St Lucia Zouks | 2020 |
| Women’s T20I | 72 | — | — | — |
The CPL 2020 Semi-Final collapse of Guyana Amazon Warriors (55 all out in 14 overs) remains the worst T20 batting performance in the venue’s history. Five batters were dismissed for ducks, and only three managed double-figure scores.
Most Runs & Most Wickets
Most T20 Runs at BLCA Colin Munro leads all run-scorers at the Brian Lara Academy with 517 T20 runs across 15 appearances (CPL + T20Is), averaging 51.70 at a strike rate of 127.33. He represented both the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Saint Lucia Kings at the venue.
Most T20 Wickets at BLCA Sunil Narine is the leading wicket-taker at the BLCA in T20 cricket with 18 wickets in 15 matches for Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL). His economy rate of 5.56 at this venue is exceptional for T20 cricket.
Test Cricket: With only one Test played so far, Justin Greaves (7 wickets in the match, plus 20 runs with the bat) and Jayden Seales (5/20 in the second innings) are the ground’s early Test standard-bearers.
CPL Legacy at the Venue
The BLCA became synonymous with CPL excellence between 2017 and 2020, hosting four consecutive CPL Finals:
| Year | Final (Winner) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Trinbago Knight Riders | BLCA |
| 2018 | Trinbago Knight Riders | BLCA |
| 2019 | Barbados Tridents | BLCA |
| 2020 | Trinbago Knight Riders | BLCA |
Trinbago Knight Riders remain the primary home tenant, and the BLCA is regarded as the TKR’s fortress. TKR entered CPL 2026 as defending champions, having beaten Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2025 final to lift a record-extending fifth CPL title. The stadium also hosted the 2024 Women’s CPL Final (Barbados Royals won by 4 wickets, Player of the Match: Aaliyah Alleyne).
CPL 2026 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy
CPL 2026 is the tournament’s 14th edition, running from August 7 to September 20, 2026, with a record seven franchises competing across eight venues. The season introduces two changes to the competition: the arrival of debutants Jamaica Kingsmen, and Barbados reverting to its earlier Barbados Tridents name. Trinbago Knight Riders — the defending champions — play a block of five home matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
| Date | Match | Time (Local) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2026 | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Saint Lucia Kings | 8:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 28, 2026 | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Barbados Tridents | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 29, 2026 | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors | 5:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 31, 2026 | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Kingsmen | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| September 2, 2026 | Trinbago Knight Riders vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons | Evening (AST) | Upcoming |
Results from this home block will feed into the CPL 2026 points table as TKR defend their title. The August 29 fixture against Guyana Amazon Warriors is a rematch of the 2025 final, in which TKR won with Akeal Hosein named Player of the Match — the two sides could also meet again in the play-offs, which are being staged entirely at Kensington Oval, Barbados, for the first time in CPL history.
For CPL 2026 fantasy and match-day planning, the BLCA’s usual T20 pitch trends apply: genuine pace and carry with the new ball, sharp turn for spinners from the middle overs, and evening dew from around 7–9 PM that historically favours the side chasing.
Recent Matches
| Date | Match | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25–28, 2026 | West Indies vs Pakistan (1st Test) | Test | West Indies won by 90 runs |
| August 12, 2025 | West Indies vs Pakistan | ODI | — |
| August 27, 2024 | West Indies vs South Africa | T20I | — |
| August 29, 2024 | WCPL 2024 Final (Barbados Royals vs opponent) | Women’s T20 | Barbados Royals won by 4 wkts |
| December 2023 | West Indies vs England (4th T20I) | T20I | England won by 75 runs |
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Match | Format |
|---|---|---|
| August 26 – September 2, 2026 | CPL 2026 — Trinbago Knight Riders home matches (5 fixtures) | T20 |
Note: The BLCA’s first-ever Test match (West Indies vs Pakistan) was played July 25–28, 2026, with West Indies winning by 90 runs. The second and final Test of the series was played at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, where Pakistan levelled the series 1-1.
Expert Tips for Fantasy Cricket
- Backspinners heavily. Sunil Narine’s 18 wickets at 5.56 economy tells the full story. Left-arm orthodox and off-break bowlers are consistently effective here from the 7th over onward — a useful angle for CPL 2026 teams too.
- Prioritise top-order batters who rotate strike. The mid-innings slowdown rewards accumulation over sloggers who struggle against spin.
- Choose your wicketkeeper based on the pitch. In day-night games, dew assists the second-batting team.
- Toss is crucial. Chasing teams have won roughly 57% of T20 matches here (17/30 in CPL).
- Phil Salt’s record shows high-ceiling potential. When conditions firm up in the dry season, the surface can play like a road.
- Watch for dew reports after 7 PM. High humidity (87%+) in August–September means fast bowlers struggle to grip the ball late on.
Comparison: BLCA vs Other Caribbean Venues
| Feature | Brian Lara Academy | Queen’s Park Oval, POS | Kensington Oval, Barbados | Providence Stadium, Guyana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 15,000 | 25,000 | 28,000 | 20,000 |
| T20 Avg 1st Innings | 150–165 | 155–170 | 160–175 | 145–160 |
| Spin Assistance | High (mid-overs) | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Dew Impact | High (inland, humid) | Moderate | Low (sea breeze) | High |
| Test Cricket | Yes — 1 Test (debut July 2026) | Yes (historic venue) | Yes (historic venue) | Yes |
| CPL Finals | 2017–2020 | Occasional | CPL 2026 Playoffs & Final | CPL Playoff venue (2025) |
| ICC Events | T20 WC 2024 | T20 WC 2024 | Multiple | T20 WC 2024 |
| Floodlights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Queen’s Park Oval hosted the second and deciding Test of the 2026 Pakistan series, and is also TKR’s home ground for select fixtures — while Kensington Oval hosts the entire CPL 2026 knockout stage for the first time in the tournament’s history.
FAQs
Where is Brian Lara Cricket Academy located?
In Tarouba, San Fernando, southern Trinidad and Tobago, alongside the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, approximately 30–35 minutes south of Port of Spain by road.
What is the seating capacity of Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
15,000 fixed seats, supplemented by grass bank areas for high-demand fixtures such as CPL matches and ICC events.
What is the pitch report for Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
A hard, bouncy surface that initially aids pace bowlers with seam movement. From around the 10th over in T20 cricket, spinners gain increasing assistance. The average first-innings T20I score sits around 150–165, and chasing teams have won approximately 57% of CPL T20 matches here. The venue’s first Test, in July 2026, proved heavily pace-dominated.
What is the highest team total at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
In white-ball cricket, 267/3, posted by England against West Indies in the 4th T20I of December 2023. In Test cricket, West Indies’ 311 in the first innings of the ground’s debut Test against Pakistan in July 2026 is the record so far.
What is the lowest team total at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
In T20 cricket, 55, made by Guyana Amazon Warriors against St Lucia Zouks in the second semi-final of CPL 2020. In Test cricket, Pakistan’s 120 in their second-innings run chase against West Indies in July 2026.
Who has scored the most runs at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
Colin Munro holds the record for most T20 runs at the BLCA, with 517 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.70 and a strike rate of 127.33.
Who has taken the most wickets at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
Sunil Narine leads all wicket-takers at the venue in T20 cricket with 18 wickets in 15 CPL matches, at an economy rate of just 5.56.
Has Brian Lara Cricket Academy hosted a Test match?
Yes. The BLCA hosted its first-ever men’s Test match from July 25–28, 2026, when West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening match of a two-match series. Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match, and Jayden Seales took a five-wicket haul to seal the win. Pakistan won the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval to level the series 1-1.
Which CPL team plays home matches at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) are the primary home tenant. TKR enter CPL 2026 as defending champions after winning a record-extending fifth CPL title in 2025, and play five home matches at the ground between August 26 and September 2, 2026, against Saint Lucia Kings, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Kingsmen and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.
How many CPL 2026 matches will be played at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
Five Trinbago Knight Riders home matches, running from August 26 to September 2, 2026. The CPL 2026 knockout stage — the Eliminator, both Qualifiers and the Final — is being played entirely at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
What weather can spectators expect at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
Tarouba has a tropical climate with temperatures of 24–31°C year-round. The dry season (December–May) offers the best spectating conditions. The wet season (June–November) brings heavier showers and thunderstorms, especially in September–October. Evening humidity can reach 87%, creating significant dew that affects late-innings bowling.
Why Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stands Out
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, has evolved from a delayed infrastructure project into one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and strategically important cricket venues. Named after a man who rewrote batting records, the ground continues to add its own chapters — from its intimate CPL Finals between 2017 and 2020, to Phil Salt’s explosive 119 in December 2023, to the historic landmark of hosting its first men’s Test match in July 2026, where West Indies’ pace attack ran through Pakistan twice to win by 90 runs.
For fantasy cricket players, the spin-friendly mid-overs, strong chasing record, and dew factor make the BLCA one of the most tactically nuanced venues in Caribbean cricket. For fans, it combines world-class facilities with the passionate atmosphere that only Caribbean cricket can produce. With CPL 2026 now underway, five Trinbago Knight Riders home matches between August 26 and September 2 add the latest chapter to a ground that is still writing its story.
Whether you are planning to visit, following CPL 2026 fixtures, selecting your fantasy XI, or simply researching the Caribbean’s most modern cricket facility, the Brian Lara Cricket Academy deserves its place at the top of West Indies cricket’s future.
