The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is one of the most important modern cricket venues in Trinidad and Tobago. Located in Tarouba in southern Trinidad, the venue combines a major international cricket ground with facilities designed to support cricket development in the region. It is named after Brian Charles Lara, one of the greatest batters in West Indies cricket and a sporting icon from Trinidad and Tobago.
The stadium has hosted international cricket, Caribbean Premier League matches, regional competitions and age-group cricket. Its importance increased further in 2026 when the venue hosted its first men’s Test match, with West Indies playing Pakistan in July.The Brian Lara Cricket Academy has also become a familiar venue for T20 cricket, particularly Caribbean Premier League fixtures involving the Trinbago Knight Riders. Its modern infrastructure, large playing area and location in southern Trinidad make it an important part of the Caribbean’s cricket landscape.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy – Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Venue Name | Brian Lara Cricket Academy |
| Also Known As | Brian Lara Stadium / Tarouba |
| Location | Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Region | Caribbean |
| Sport | Cricket |
| Home Team | Trinbago Knight Riders |
| Main International Team | West Indies |
| Opened | 2017 |
| Current Listed Capacity | Around 15,000 |
| Venue Type | International cricket stadium and cricket development facility |
| Major Cricket | Test, ODI, T20I, CPL and regional cricket |
| Named After | Brian Lara |
What Is Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is a modern cricket complex in southern Trinidad. Although its name includes “Cricket Academy,” the venue is much more than a training facility. It has developed into a major stadium for domestic, franchise and international cricket. The stadium was completed and officially opened in 2017. The ICC described it as a modern stadium located in southern Trinidad and named after Brian Lara.
The venue was developed to strengthen cricket infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago and provide facilities suitable for both elite competition and player development.
Over the years, the Brian Lara Cricket Academy has hosted:
- International cricket
- Caribbean Premier League matches
- Regional first-class cricket
- Regional Super50 cricket
- Age-group cricket
- Women’s international cricket
- Men’s international cricket
- Cricket development activities
The stadium therefore occupies an interesting position in Trinidad cricket. It serves both professional cricket and the broader development pathway for players.
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Brian Lara Cricket Academy Location
Where Is Brian Lara Cricket Academy Located?
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is located in Tarouba, southern Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. The venue is associated with the wider San Fernando area and provides a major cricket facility outside the traditional cricket centre of Port of Spain.
Its southern Trinidad location is particularly significant because it gives the region a major international-standard cricket venue while complementing the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. The stadium’s location also makes it useful for domestic teams, international touring sides and Caribbean Premier League franchises.
How to Reach Brian Lara Cricket Academy
Visitors travelling to the Brian Lara Cricket Academy generally reach Tarouba by road. People arriving from Port of Spain can travel south through Trinidad’s main road network toward the San Fernando and Tarouba area. Visitors arriving through Piarco International Airport can also travel south by road. Because traffic conditions in Trinidad can vary, visitors attending a match should allow additional travel time, particularly for high-profile international games and CPL fixtures. For a match-day visit, it is sensible to check the official fixture information, stadium entry instructions, transport arrangements and ticket details before travelling.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium
Stadium Design and Development
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy was developed as a modern cricket venue and officially opened in 2017. The stadium quickly became part of the international cricket infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago. The ICC previously described it as Trinidad and Tobago’s second international cricket stadium after Queen’s Park Oval. It initially hosted women’s international cricket before becoming a venue for broader international and regional competition.
The stadium has modern spectator and hospitality areas around the playing field. An ICC seating plan shows multiple blocks and categories, including premium areas, standard-plus sections, standard seating, grass-and-mound areas, private suites and hospitality facilities.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Capacity
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is currently commonly listed as a 15,000-capacity cricket ground. ICC’s 2024 T20 World Cup venue information described the stadium as a 15,000-capacity ground. Older ICC venue documentation listed a capacity of 20,000, which explains why different websites can show different numbers. For current articles, the 15,000 figure is the safer figure to use unless a specific event configuration gives a different capacity.
The stadium includes different seating categories and hospitality areas, making it suitable for international matches and major tournament fixtures.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Pitch Report
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch has developed a reputation for producing competitive cricket, although conditions can vary considerably depending on the format, weather and match situation. There is no single pitch behaviour that applies to every game at the venue. Test cricket can produce different conditions from a T20 match, while humidity, rain and the age of the pitch can influence how the surface behaves.
Pitch Characteristics
Historically, the ground has produced relatively controlled scoring in T20 cricket. A 2020 Windies Cricket venue analysis noted that early CPL matches at Tarouba generally produced first-innings scores in a relatively narrow range and examined how different bowling types performed at the ground.
The same analysis found that spin could be particularly effective compared with some pace-bowling approaches, although raw statistics from a limited sample should not be treated as a permanent characteristic of the venue. The pitch can therefore offer opportunities to both batters and bowlers.
Is Brian Lara Cricket Academy a Batting or Bowling Ground?
The answer depends heavily on the format. In T20 cricket, batters need to assess the pace of the pitch before committing to aggressive shots. Bowlers who vary their pace and length can create problems, while spinners can become important depending on surface conditions. In longer-format cricket, the pitch has a much greater opportunity to change during a match.
The first men’s Test at the venue in July 2026 provided a useful example. West Indies scored 311 in the first innings and 181 in the second, while Pakistan made 282 and 120. West Indies won the match by 90 runs. That match demonstrated how the venue can support a changing contest over several days rather than behaving simply as a T20 batting surface.
Weather and Humidity
Trinidad’s tropical climate can influence cricket conditions. Humidity, rain and cloud cover may affect swing, bowling conditions and the outfield. For this reason, a pitch report prepared for a specific match should always consider the latest weather forecast and the condition of the surface rather than relying entirely on historical statistics.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Matches
The venue has hosted a wide range of cricket since opening.
International Matches
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy initially gained international recognition through women’s cricket. It hosted West Indies Women’s ODI matches in 2017 and women’s T20Is in 2018. The venue later became a regular location for men’s limited-overs international cricket. Windies Cricket’s current ground statistics show that the stadium has hosted men’s ODIs involving West Indies and teams including India and Pakistan, as well as men’s T20Is involving West Indies, South Africa and other international sides.
The venue reached another milestone in July 2026 when it hosted its first men’s Test match. West Indies played Pakistan in the first Test of Pakistan’s 2026 tour of the West Indies at Brian Lara Cricket Academy from July 25 to July 29, 2026. West Indies won by 90 runs. This was a major addition to the stadium’s international cricket history.
Major International Matches
Some notable international cricket hosted at Brian Lara Cricket Academy include:
| Match/Series | Format | Year |
| West Indies Women vs international opposition | ODI | 2017 |
| West Indies Women vs international opposition | T20I | 2018 |
| India vs West Indies | ODI/T20I | 2023 |
| England vs West Indies | T20I | 2023 |
| West Indies vs South Africa | T20I | 2024 |
| West Indies vs Pakistan | ODI | 2025 |
| West Indies vs Pakistan | Test | 2026 |
The exact fixture list has expanded considerably as the stadium has become an established international venue. Current Windies Cricket records should be used when compiling a complete match-by-match list.
Domestic and Franchise Cricket
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is an important venue for Caribbean domestic cricket.
Caribbean Premier League
The stadium has a strong connection with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Trinbago Knight Riders.
Windies Cricket reported that the stadium hosted CPL matches from the early years of its operation and has also hosted CPL finals. The venue became particularly prominent during the 2020 CPL season, when it hosted a large portion of the competition in Trinidad. The Trinbago Knight Riders use Brian Lara Stadium as their home venue, making it an important location for franchise cricket in Trinidad. Recent CPL matches have continued to be played at the stadium. In September 2025, for example, Trinbago Knight Riders played Saint Lucia Kings, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and other opponents at Tarouba.
Regional Cricket
The ground also hosts regional first-class and List A cricket. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have played numerous matches at the venue, while other Caribbean teams have also appeared there in regional competitions. The Windies Cricket ground database records substantial List A activity at Brian Lara Stadium involving teams such as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Guyana Harpy Eagles and Windward Islands Volcanoes.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Records
Because the venue hosts multiple formats, its records are best separated by competition.
| Record | Player/Team | Performance | Format |
| First Men’s Test | West Indies vs Pakistan | West Indies won by 90 runs | Test |
| Notable T20I Result | West Indies vs England | West Indies won by 4 wickets | T20I |
| High List A Total | Jamaica Scorpions | 352/9 | List A |
| High List A Total | Trinidad & Tobago Red Force | 291/6 | List A |
| Notable T20 Total | Trinbago Knight Riders | 197/3 | T20 |
| Notable T20 Total | Saint Lucia Kings | 218/6 | T20 |
These examples are drawn from official Windies Cricket match records and illustrate the range of scoring at the venue.
For SEO purposes, a detailed statistics article should separate Test, ODI, T20I, List A and domestic T20 records rather than mixing all formats into one table.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy Facilities
The stadium was designed as a modern cricket facility with infrastructure for players, spectators and hospitality guests.
Cricket Facilities
The venue provides facilities associated with international and professional cricket, including:
- Main cricket field
- Cricket pitch
- Practice areas
- Training infrastructure
- Player dressing rooms
- Pavilion facilities
- Spectator viewing areas
- Hospitality facilities
The stadium has also been used for youth and age-group cricket, showing that its purpose extends beyond international matches. The ICC has noted its use for age-group cricket alongside regional and international competitions.
Spectator Facilities
The ICC seating plan identifies several categories of spectator areas, including premium seating, standard-plus seating, standard seating and grass-and-mound areas. It also shows hospitality areas, private suites and club facilities. Facilities and access arrangements can vary depending on the tournament, so spectators should check the official match information for individual events.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy as a Training Centre
The word “Academy” in the venue’s name reflects its wider cricket-development role. Trinidad and Tobago has a long history of producing international cricketers, and modern facilities such as Brian Lara Cricket Academy provide infrastructure for the next generation. The venue has hosted age-group cricket as well as regional competitions.
This creates a pathway connecting:
Youth Cricket → Regional Cricket → Professional Cricket → International Cricket
The presence of high-level cricket at the same venue also gives developing players exposure to international-standard facilities and professional match environments.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy and Brian Lara
Who Is Brian Lara?
Brian Lara is one of the most famous cricketers produced by Trinidad and Tobago. The left-handed West Indies batter built a remarkable international career and became particularly famous for his record-breaking innings in Test cricket. His name remains strongly associated with batting excellence, West Indies cricket and Trinidadian sporting history. Naming the cricket academy after Lara recognizes his enormous contribution to the sport and his importance to Trinidad and Tobago.
Why Was the Academy Named After Brian Lara?
Brian Lara represents one of the strongest links between Trinidad and Tobago and international cricket. The stadium’s name reflects his contribution to West Indies cricket and his status as one of the country’s most prominent sporting figures.
The ICC specifically describes the stadium as being named after Brian Charles Lara, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest sportsmen. As a result, the venue is not simply another cricket stadium. Its name connects the modern cricket infrastructure of Trinidad with one of the most recognizable players in West Indies history.
Best Time to Visit Brian Lara Cricket Academy
The best time for a cricket fan to visit is generally when a major match is scheduled at the stadium.
Potentially attractive occasions include:
- West Indies international matches
- Caribbean Premier League matches
- Trinidad and Tobago domestic games
- Regional tournaments
- Major tournament fixtures
The experience can be very different between an international match and a domestic fixture. Visitors should check the latest schedule, ticket availability, stadium rules and transport information before travelling. Weather is another important consideration because Trinidad has a tropical climate and rain can affect outdoor activities and cricket schedules.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
Visitors coming from outside Trinidad may combine a cricket match with a broader trip around the island. The San Fernando and southern Trinidad region provides access to restaurants, hotels and transport services, while visitors staying in Port of Spain can travel south to Tarouba for a match.
Travellers should choose accommodation according to their itinerary rather than assuming that staying immediately beside the stadium is necessary. For an international match, booking accommodation and transportation in advance can make the visit easier, particularly when large crowds are expected.
Brian Lara Cricket Academy vs Other Trinidad Cricket Venues
Trinidad and Tobago has more than one important cricket venue, but Brian Lara Cricket Academy has a distinct role because of its modern infrastructure and international schedule.
| Feature | Brian Lara Cricket Academy | Queen’s Park Oval |
| Location | Tarouba | Port of Spain |
| Opened/Established | 2017 | Historic venue |
| International Cricket | Yes | Yes |
| Test Cricket | Yes, from 2026 | Yes |
| ODI Cricket | Yes | Yes |
| T20I Cricket | Yes | Yes |
| CPL Cricket | Yes | Yes |
| Home Franchise | Trinbago Knight Riders | Trinbago Knight Riders historically associated with venue |
| Main Characteristic | Modern southern Trinidad venue | Historic Port of Spain cricket ground |
Interesting Facts About Brian Lara Cricket Academy
Here are some useful facts cricket fans should know:
- The stadium is located in Tarouba in southern Trinidad.
- It was officially opened in 2017.
- The venue is named after Brian Lara, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most famous cricketers.
- It hosted women’s international cricket before becoming a major men’s international venue.
- The stadium has hosted Caribbean Premier League cricket since the early years of its operation.
- Trinbago Knight Riders use Brian Lara Stadium as their home venue.
- The stadium hosted matches during the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, including the semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan.
- Brian Lara Cricket Academy hosted its first men’s Test in July 2026.
- West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in that first Test at the venue.
- The venue has hosted international, franchise, regional and age-group cricket.
Conclusion
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy has quickly developed into one of the important cricket venues in Trinidad and Tobago. Located in Tarouba, the modern stadium provides a home for professional cricket while also supporting regional and developmental competitions. Its history has expanded considerably since its opening in 2017. The venue has hosted women’s international cricket, men’s ODIs and T20Is, Caribbean Premier League matches, regional cricket and age-group competitions.
The stadium reached another important milestone in July 2026, when West Indies and Pakistan played the first men’s Test at the venue. West Indies won that historic match by 90 runs. With its modern facilities, international-standard infrastructure, connection with Brian Lara and growing match history, the stadium has become an important part of Trinidad’s cricket identity.
FAQs
1.What is Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
Brian Lara Cricket Academy is a modern cricket stadium and development facility located in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. It hosts international, domestic, franchise and age-group cricket.
2.Where is Brian Lara Cricket Academy located?
The stadium is located in Tarouba in southern Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.
3.What is the capacity of Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
The stadium is currently commonly listed as having a capacity of around 15,000 spectators. ICC documentation has also used a 20,000 figure in the past, so capacity figures can vary depending on the source and event configuration.
4.Is Brian Lara Cricket Academy a cricket stadium?
Yes. Although it is called an academy, the complex includes a major cricket stadium that hosts international and professional matches.
5.What teams play at Brian Lara Cricket Academy?
The venue is the home ground of the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Trinidad and Tobago teams also regularly play regional cricket there.
6.What is the Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch like?
The pitch can produce competitive cricket across formats. Historical CPL analysis found that spin could be effective and that first-innings T20 scores were relatively controlled during the early sample of matches at the ground. However, conditions can change according to the pitch, weather and format.
7.Does Brian Lara Cricket Academy host international matches?
Yes. The stadium has hosted women’s and men’s international cricket, including ODI and T20I matches. It hosted its first men’s Test in July 2026 when West Indies played Pakistan.
8.Does Brian Lara Cricket Academy host CPL matches?
Yes. Brian Lara Stadium is a regular Caribbean Premier League venue and serves as the home venue of the Trinbago Knight Riders.
