Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium: Pitch Report, Records & Complete Guide 2026
By Ahmed Raza | Last updated: August 11, 2026
The Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium — formerly the Beausejour Cricket Ground — stands as Saint Lucia’s crown jewel of sport and the Caribbean’s most pioneering modern cricket venue. Nestled in Gros Islet along the scenic Castries–Gros Islet Highway, just minutes from the popular tourist resort of Rodney Bay, the stadium offers a combination of world-class facilities and a breathtaking tropical backdrop that few grounds in world cricket can match.
Named in 2016 to honour Saint Lucia’s greatest cricketer and the only man to captain West Indies to two ICC T20 World Cup titles, this ground is far more than a sporting facility — it is a living tribute to Caribbean cricketing identity, resilience, and ambition. With a capacity of 15,000, it has hosted Tests, ODIs, T20Is, World Cup fixtures, and CPL seasons, earning its place as one of the most versatile venues in the Caribbean. The ground is once again at the centre of the action as CPL 2026 gets underway, with five Saint Lucia Kings home matches scheduled at the stadium this season.
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is a 15,000-capacity international cricket ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Originally the Beausejour Cricket Ground, it was renamed in 2016 to honour two-time ICC T20 World Cup-winning captain Daren Sammy. It became the first Caribbean venue to host a day-night international and has hosted Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and CPL matches.
Stadium Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium |
| Former Name | Beausejour Cricket Ground |
| Location | Gros Islet, Saint Lucia |
| Established | 2002 |
| Renamed | July 2016 |
| Capacity | 15,000 (expands to ~20,000 for major events) |
| Home Tenants | Saint Lucia Kings (CPL), Windward Islands cricket team |
| Ends | Pavilion End, Media Centre End |
| Boundary Length | 63–78 metres (shortest to longest) |
| Floodlights | Yes — first ground in the Caribbean to install floodlights |
| Land Area | 22 acres |
| Hospitality Suites | ~18 suites |
| Facilities | Gym, player lounge, conference room, balcony, media centre |
| ICC Events Hosted | 2007 Cricket World Cup, 2010 ICC World Twenty20 |
| Coordinates | 14°04′14″N, 60°55′54″W |
Key Milestones
- 2002: Ground completed and opened as Beausejour Cricket Ground.
- 2002: First ODI — West Indies vs New Zealand (June 8, 2002).
- 2003: First Test — West Indies vs Sri Lanka (June 20–24, 2003); Brian Lara scores 209*.
- 2006: Becomes the first cricket venue in the Caribbean to host a day-night international under floodlights.
- 2007: Hosts multiple matches at the ICC Cricket World Cup.
- 2010: Hosts ICC World Twenty20, including the first T20I at the venue.
- July 2016: Officially renamed Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. First international under the new name — India vs West Indies Test (August 9, 2016).
- 2018: Shannon Gabriel’s 8/62 vs Sri Lanka — best bowling figures at the venue.
- 2024: West Indies post 221/5 vs England — highest T20I total at the ground.
- 2024: Saint Lucia Kings win their inaugural CPL title.
- 2025: Saint Lucia Kings host five CPL group-stage matches at the ground before being eliminated in Qualifier 2.
- 2026: CPL returns to Gros Islet with five Saint Lucia Kings home fixtures across the tournament’s 14th edition.
Location & Capacity
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is located in Gros Islet, at the north-eastern tip of Saint Lucia, overlooking the Atlantic side of the island. It sits at the edge of the Rodney Bay resort area — one of the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destinations — making it one of the most visitor-friendly cricket venues in the region.
Getting There:
- From Hewanorra International Airport (south): Approximately a 90-minute drive by private taxi or shuttle.
- From George F. L. Charles Airport (north): Approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi.
- From Rodney Bay: Approximately 6 minutes’ drive along the Castries–Gros Islet Highway.
- By public transport: Minibuses (locally known as “route taxis”) run regularly from Castries city centre.
Capacity Notes:
- Standard seated capacity: 15,000
- Major events and ICC tournaments: up to 20,000 with additional standing and grass areas
- The Party Stand at the northern end, with its panoramic view of the sea, is the most photographed spectator area in Caribbean cricket.
- 18 hospitality suites available for corporate events and high-demand fixtures.
Pitch Report
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium pitch is one of the most studied surfaces in Caribbean cricket, offering a genuine contest between bat and ball across all three formats.
Pitch Characteristics by Format
| Attribute | T20 | ODI | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Type | Hard, dry, flat | Hard, some variable bounce | Hard initially, deteriorates from Day 3 |
| Pace for Fast Bowlers | Moderate early, fades | Moderate | Good in first two days |
| Spin | Strong assistance from Overs 7+ | Grows from middle overs | Dominant from Day 4 onward |
| Dew Factor | High in evening matches | Moderate | N/A |
| Typical Result | Batting paradise, high-scoring | Chasing team advantage | Draws/Touring team wins historically |
T20 Pitch Phase Breakdown
Powerplay (Overs 1–6): The surface is flat and offers true bounce. Pace bowlers can generate movement under overcast skies, but on sunny Gros Islet afternoons, the ball comes onto the bat nicely. Batters who play straight early reap the rewards. A good powerplay score is 50–60 runs.
Middle Overs (Overs 7–15): This is where the Daren Sammy pitch becomes most challenging for captains. Slower balls, cutters, and off-spin are highly effective. The ball grips the surface, and batters who cannot read variations get tied down.
Death Overs (Overs 16–20): The flat surface and short-to-medium boundaries (63–78m) make this an explosive phase. Scores of 20–25 runs in the last two overs are common.
Average Scores at a Glance
| Format | Avg 1st Innings Score | Chasing Win % | Toss Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | ~162 | ~59% | Field first (day-night) |
| CPL T20 | 155–165 | ~55–60% | Field first |
| ODI | ~215 (1st inn) | ~59% | Field first |
| Test | Variable | Touring team historically favoured | Bat first (avoid Day 4–5) |
Boundary Length Impact
The boundary dimensions at the Daren Sammy ground (63m shortest, 78m longest) sit in the medium-to-large range for Caribbean T20 cricket. The shorter Pavilion End boundary has historically yielded more sixes, making it the preferred hitting arc for left-handed batters.
Pro Tip for Fantasy Cricket: Target batters who score at a high strike rate through the leg side — the Pavilion End shorter boundary is a left-hander’s playground. Players like Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer have thrived at this venue for exactly this reason.
Weather Report
Gros Islet experiences a tropical maritime climate, shaped significantly by the Atlantic trade winds that roll in from the east across the island.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Humidity | Rain Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | January – April | 24–30°C | 65–75% | Low (5–15%) |
| Transitional | May | 25–31°C | 75–80% | Moderate |
| Wet Season | June – November | 25–31°C | 80–88% | Medium–High (30–60%) |
| Late Dry Season | December | 24–29°C | 70–75% | Low |
Key Weather Insights:
- Sea breeze from the Atlantic picks up from late morning and significantly cools afternoon play — unlike inland Caribbean venues.
- The North Stand is positioned to receive the strongest sea breeze, making it the coolest viewing area on hot afternoons.
- Dew is a significant factor for day-night T20 matches. Evening humidity (80%+) creates heavy dew from approximately 7:30–8 PM local time onward, greatly assisting batters in the second innings.
- CPL season (August–September) falls in the heart of the wet season. Afternoon showers are common but typically brief.
- Test matches played in June–July tend to see overcast, seam-friendly conditions in the mornings, clearing by afternoon.
The Atlantic-facing orientation means the stadium receives weather patterns from the windward coast — storms build from the east and arrive with less warning than at Pacific-facing Caribbean venues. Match-day weather checks are particularly important here for the late afternoon period, and are especially worth watching during CPL 2026’s evening fixtures at the ground.
Related read: Brian Lara Cricket Academy – Pitch Report, Records, Stats
T20 Records
T20I Records (International)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First T20I | Afghanistan vs India, May 1, 2010 (ICC World Twenty20) |
| Last T20I | India vs Australia, June 24, 2024 |
| Most T20Is Hosted | 20+ (as of end 2024) |
| Highest Team Total (T20I) | 221/5 — West Indies vs England, 2024 |
| Lowest Team Total (T20I) | 105 — West Indies vs Australia, 2010 |
| Highest Individual Score | 101 (60 balls) — Suresh Raina, India vs South Africa, 2010 ICC WT20 |
| Most T20I Runs | 295 — Nicholas Pooran (11 matches) |
| Most T20I Wickets | 12 — Hayden Walsh (5 matches) |
| Best Bowling Figures (T20I) | 4/17 — Devendra Bishoo vs Pakistan, 2011 |
T20 Batting Leaderboard (T20Is)
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicholas Pooran | 11 | 295 | Consistent left-hand aggressor |
| 2 | Suresh Raina | — | — | 101 off 60 balls (WT20, 2010) |
| 3 | Multiple WI batters | — | — | High-scoring 2024 England series |
CPL T20 Records (All-Time at Venue)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest CPL Team Total | 226/6 — St Lucia Zouks |
| Lowest CPL Team Total | 69/10 — St Lucia Zouks |
| T20 Matches Played (All) | 40+ CPL matches + T20Is |
| Teams Batting First Win % | ~40–45% |
| Teams Batting Second Win % | ~55–60% |
| Average 1st Innings (CPL) | 162 |
Notable T20 Moment: In November 2024, West Indies chased down England’s 218/5 to reach 221/5 — the highest ever T20I score at this venue.
ODI Records
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium has hosted 30 ODI matches, making it one of the more experienced ODI venues in the Caribbean.
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First ODI | West Indies vs New Zealand, June 8, 2002 |
| Last ODI | West Indies vs England, March 2, 2019 |
| Total ODIs Hosted | 30 |
| Teams Batting First — Wins | 10 |
| Teams Batting Second — Wins | 16 |
| No Results/Abandoned | 4 |
| Highest Team Total (ODI) | 363/5 — New Zealand vs Canada, 2007 World Cup |
| Lowest Team Total (ODI) | 81 — (recorded) |
| Highest Individual Score (ODI) | 130* — Marcus Trescothick (England) vs West Indies |
| Best Bowling Figures (ODI) | 7/18 — Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) vs West Indies, 2017 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~215 |
| Average Match Run Rate | 82.8 (SR) |
Rashid Khan’s 7/18 (2017): This stands as one of the most astonishing bowling performances in ODI history — the best figures ever recorded at this ground, and among the best in all ODI cricket.
Test Records
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium has hosted 10 Test matches between 2003 and 2022, establishing itself as a venue where pace bowlers and touring teams have historically performed well.
Test Records Summary
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Test | West Indies vs Sri Lanka, June 20–24, 2003 |
| Last Test | West Indies vs Bangladesh, June 24–27, 2022 |
| Total Tests Hosted | 10 |
| West Indies Wins | 2 |
| Touring Team Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Highest Team Total (Test) | 588/8 dec — India vs West Indies, June 2006 |
| Lowest Team Total (Test) | 97 — West Indies vs South Africa, June 2021 |
| Highest Individual Score | 209* — Brian Lara (WI) vs Sri Lanka, 2003 |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 8/62 — Shannon Gabriel (WI) vs Sri Lanka, 2018 |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 13/121 — Shannon Gabriel (WI) vs Sri Lanka, 2018 |
| Most Test Runs | 389 — Brian Lara (3 matches) |
| Most Test Wickets | 26 — Kemar Roach (6 matches) |
Top Test Run-Scorers at DSNCS
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Lara | 3 | 389 | 209* |
| 2 | Kraigg Brathwaite | — | 305 | — |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | — | 282 | — |
| 4 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | — | 276 | — |
| 5 | Roston Chase | — | 242 | — |
Top Test Wicket-Takers at DSNCS
| Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kemar Roach | 6 | 26 | — |
| 2 | Shannon Gabriel | — | 23 | 8/62 |
| 3 | Kagiso Rabada | — | 11 | — |
| 4 | Keshav Maharaj | — | 9 | — |
| 5 | Miguel Cummins | — | 9 | — |
Shannon Gabriel’s Historic 8/62 (2018): His second-innings figures against Sri Lanka in June 2018 are among the most remarkable bowling performances in West Indian cricket history — 13/121 in the match, the third-best match haul by a West Indian ever, behind Michael Holding’s 14/149 (The Oval, 1976) and Courtney Walsh’s 13/55 (Basin Reserve, 1995).
Highest & Lowest Team Scores (Across All Formats)
| Format | Highest | Team | Lowest | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 588/8 dec | India vs WI, 2006 | 97 | West Indies vs SA, 2021 |
| ODI | 363/5 | New Zealand vs Canada, 2007 WC | 81 | — |
| T20I | 221/5 | West Indies vs England, 2024 | 105 | West Indies vs Australia, 2010 |
| CPL T20 | 226/6 | St Lucia Zouks | 69/10 | St Lucia Zouks |
Unique Insight: The St Lucia Zouks (now Kings) hold both the highest AND lowest CPL team score at their own home ground.
Most Runs & Most Wickets
Most Runs — Format by Format
- Tests: Brian Lara leads with 389 runs across 3 matches, including his 209* vs Sri Lanka in 2003.
- T20Is: Nicholas Pooran leads with 295 runs in 11 matches.
- ODIs: Marcus Trescothick’s 130* for England remains the highest individual ODI score at this venue.
Most Wickets — Format by Format
- Tests: Kemar Roach leads all-time with 26 wickets across 6 matches.
- T20Is: Hayden Walsh leads with 12 wickets in just 5 matches.
- ODIs: Rashid Khan’s 7/18 is one of the greatest ODI bowling performances of the modern era.
CPL Legacy at the Venue
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium has been central to the Caribbean Premier League since its inception in 2013. It serves as the home ground of the Saint Lucia Kings (formerly St Lucia Zouks, then St Lucia Stars).
CPL History at DSNCS
| Year | Team Name | CPL Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2018 | St Lucia Zouks | Various round exits |
| 2019–2020 | St Lucia Zouks | Runner-up (2020) |
| 2021 | St Lucia Kings | Runner-up |
| 2022–2023 | St Lucia Kings | Semi-finalists |
| 2024 | St Lucia Kings | CPL 2024 Champions (maiden title) |
| 2025 | Saint Lucia Kings | Eliminated in Qualifier 2 (lost to eventual champions Trinbago Knight Riders) |
The Kings’ 2024 CPL title — their first ever — was a watershed moment for Saint Lucia cricket. Faf du Plessis led the side as captain, with Daren Sammy himself serving as coach. The Kings returned to Gros Islet in 2025 as defending champions and again reached the play-offs, before being eliminated by Trinbago Knight Riders, who went on to lift a fifth CPL title.
CPL 2026 at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium
CPL 2026 is the tournament’s 14th edition, running from August 7 to September 20, 2026 across eight venues, with seven franchises competing — the field expanded this year with the addition of debutants Jamaica Kingsmen, who replace the former Jamaica Tallawahs franchise. The Saint Lucia Kings continue to play their home matches at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, with five fixtures scheduled at the ground during the league stage this season.
| Date | Match | Time (Local) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 12, 2026 | Saint Lucia Kings vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 14, 2026 | Saint Lucia Kings vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 16, 2026 | Saint Lucia Kings vs Barbados Tridents | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 19, 2026 | Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
| August 21, 2026 | Saint Lucia Kings vs Jamaica Kingsmen | 7:00 PM AST | Upcoming |
These fixtures form part of the wider CPL 2026 schedule, and results from each will feed into the CPL 2026 points table as the Kings look to bounce back from their 2025 play-off exit. For fans planning to attend, the ground’s usual pitch and weather characteristics apply throughout: expect a spin-friendly surface from the middle overs, evening dew from around 7:30–8 PM that tends to favour the chasing side, and the possibility of brief wet-season showers given the tournament falls in the heart of Saint Lucia’s rainy season.
Recent Matches
| Date | Match | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2024 | West Indies vs England (5th T20I) | T20I | — |
| November 16, 2024 | West Indies vs England (4th T20I) | T20I | WI won (221/5 chasing 218) |
| June 24, 2024 | India vs Australia | T20I (T20 WC 2024) | — |
| 2024 CPL | St Lucia Kings home matches | CPL T20 | Kings won CPL 2024 |
| 2025 CPL | Saint Lucia Kings home matches | CPL T20 | Kings reached play-offs, eliminated in Qualifier 2 |
| June 24–27, 2022 | West Indies vs Bangladesh | Test | — |
| July 8, 2023 | West Indies vs Ireland | Women’s T20I | — |
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Match/Event | Format |
|---|---|---|
| August 12–21, 2026 | CPL 2026 — Saint Lucia Kings home matches (5 fixtures) | T20 |
| TBC 2026 | West Indies international home fixtures | T20I / ODI |
Expert Tips for Fantasy Cricket
- Target spinners from the 7th over onward. The pitch grips progressively through the innings. Hayden Walsh’s 12 wickets in 5 T20Is illustrate how lethal quality spin is here — a useful angle for CPL 2026 fantasy teams too.
- Nicholas Pooran is the benchmark batter. Left-handed, aggressive, and perfectly suited to the Pavilion End shorter boundary.
- Always field first in day-night T20s. With a 59% chasing win rate and significant dew from 7:30 PM onward, the toss winner almost always elects to bowl — applies to every CPL 2026 fixture at this ground.
- In Tests, trust pace bowlers on Days 1–2. Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, and Kagiso Rabada all thrived here.
- Exploit the Rashid Khan template in ODIs. The surface offers grip to wrist-spinners in the middle overs.
- Sea breeze adjustment: Bowlers operating into the breeze (from the Media Centre End) tend to get more swing.
Comparison: Daren Sammy vs Other Caribbean Venues
| Feature | Daren Sammy (St Lucia) | Kensington Oval (Barbados) | Brian Lara Academy (Trinidad) | Providence Stadium (Guyana) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 15,000–20,000 | 28,000 | 15,000 | 20,000 |
| T20 Avg 1st Innings | ~162 | 160–175 | 150–165 | 145–160 |
| Spin Assistance | High (mid-overs) | Low–Moderate | High | Moderate–High |
| Dew Factor | High (sea humidity) | Low (sea breeze) | High (inland) | High |
| Test Cricket | Yes (10 Tests) | Yes (historic) | Debut 2026 | Yes |
| First Day-Night Match | Yes (Caribbean first, 2006) | No | No | No |
| CPL Home Team | Saint Lucia Kings | N/A | Trinbago Knight Riders | Guyana Amazon Warriors |
| CPL 2026 Role | 5 Saint Lucia Kings home fixtures | Playoffs and Final | — | — |
| Unique Feature | Party Stand with sea view | Historic ground, most iconic | Most modern facilities | CPL playoff venue |
| Average ODI Score (1st Inn) | ~215 | ~240 | Limited data | ~200 |
Kensington Oval will again host the CPL 2026 knockout stage — the Eliminator, both Qualifiers and the Final — continuing its role as the tournament’s traditional finals venue.
FAQs
Where is the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium located?
In Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, at the north-eastern end of the Rodney Bay resort area — about 6 minutes from Gros Islet town, 15–20 minutes from George F.L. Charles Airport, and around 90 minutes from Hewanorra International Airport.
What is the capacity of Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
15,000 standard seating, expandable to approximately 20,000 for major events, plus 18 hospitality suites.
Why was the stadium renamed to Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
Renamed in July 2016 to honour Daren Sammy, the only West Indian captain to lead the team to two ICC T20 World Cup titles (2012 and 2016). The first international under the new name was India vs West Indies, a Test on August 9, 2016.
What is the pitch report for Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
A hard, dry surface that assists pace bowlers early, especially under overcast morning conditions. From the middle overs onward, spinners gain significant grip. The average T20 first-innings score is around 162, and chasing teams win about 59% of matches — a key factor in CPL 2026 fixtures too.
What is the highest team total at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
588/8 dec (India vs West Indies, Test, 2006) is the highest total in any format. In T20Is, 221/5 (West Indies vs England, 2024). In CPL, 226/6 (St Lucia Zouks).
Who has the best bowling figures at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
Shannon Gabriel — 8/62 (13/121 in the match) vs Sri Lanka, 2018 Test. In ODIs, Rashid Khan’s 7/18 for Afghanistan, 2017.
Who has scored the most runs at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
Brian Lara leads Tests with 389 runs in 3 matches (including 209*). Nicholas Pooran leads T20Is with 295 runs in 11 matches.
Has the Daren Sammy Stadium hosted a day-night international?
Yes — in 2006, it became the first cricket venue in the Caribbean to host a day-night international under floodlights.
Which CPL team plays home matches at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
The Saint Lucia Kings. They won their maiden CPL title in 2024, reached the play-offs again in 2025, and return for CPL 2026 with five home fixtures against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and debutants Jamaica Kingsmen.
How many CPL 2026 matches will be played at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
Five Saint Lucia Kings home matches, running from August 12 to August 21, 2026. The venue is not scheduled to host any CPL 2026 play-off matches — the Eliminator, Qualifiers and Final are all set for Kensington Oval, Barbados.
What is the weather like during matches at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium?
Tropical maritime climate, 24–31°C year-round. Dry season (January–April) offers the best playing conditions. Wet season (June–November) brings afternoon showers, notably during the CPL season (August–September). Evening dew is a major factor in day-night T20 matches.
Why Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium Stands Out
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is, in every meaningful sense, the heart of cricket in Saint Lucia and one of the most significant venues in Caribbean cricket’s modern era. From being the first ground in the region to install floodlights and host a day-night international in 2006, to witnessing Brian Lara’s majestic 209* in the very first Test played there in 2003, to Shannon Gabriel’s historic 8/62 — this ground has accumulated a rich tapestry of cricketing moments that few venues of its age can match.
For fantasy cricket players, spin-friendly middle overs, a strong chasing record under lights, and sea-breeze-influenced morning conditions for seamers make it one of the most tactically nuanced grounds in the CPL and international calendar. For cricket tourists, the Party Stand’s view across Rodney Bay is as good as cricket-watching gets anywhere in the world.
With CPL 2026 now underway and five Saint Lucia Kings home matches on the calendar between August 12 and August 21, the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium enters this season looking to help the Kings return to the play-offs after their 2025 near-miss.
