There was an anti-climatic conclusion to the 2024 CG United Regional Super50 tournament with both finalists, Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride, forfeiting the final.

This came after heavy spells of rain reduced the match to a 20-overs-a-side contest. Consequently, governing body Cricket West Indies has announced that there is no champion for this year’s competition.

The game was scheduled to start at 1pm local time (midday Jamaica) on Saturday but, as the tournament organizers explained in a statement, “scattered showers began at the ground around midday, forcing the first indefinite delay to the start of proceedings”.

A CWI release said “Match referee Reon King, in conjunction with the umpiring team, informed both teams that the latest possible start time was 6:17 PM, at which point the game would be played as a 20-overs-a-side contest.”

The release also stated “If no play was possible at all—or in the event of a tie, no result, or game abandonment—both teams would be declared co-winners of the tournament.”

“However, around 5:45 PM, the officiating team determined that the game could proceed at the latest possible start time of 6:17 PM. They informed the players of this and that the toss would be conducted at 6:00 PM. “

“Despite assurances from the umpires and match referee that the conditions were safe for play, both captains failed to be present for the toss, allowing time to elapse past the latest starting point. As a result, both teams failed to take the field, effectively refusing to play. This resulted in a double forfeit, with no champion being declared.”

Both competing teams earned their places in the final with impressive semifinal victories. Jamaica Scorpions overcame Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 107 runs while Barbados Pride defeated defending champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force by 153 runs.

This year’s winner was set to receive prize money of US$100,000; while the runners-up would have received US$50,000. Both semi-finalists will be rewarded US$ 25,000 each.