Caribbean countries compete together as the West Indies on the international stage, but are only eligible to play separately in the T20 event in Birmingham.

In August, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced Barbados had been selected to represent the region after the 2021 CWI T20 Blaze competition, a qualifier for Birmingham 2022, was postponed due to COVID-19.

Barbados were picked after winning the 2020 event.

"That [representing the West Indies] is a tremendous honour," said Cameron Burke, who has been Barbados Chef de Mission at every Commonwealth Games since Melbourne 2006 and at five Olympics, to insidethegames.

"T20 cricket has really taken off and to be part of the initial introduction, with the cricket history of Barbados and the legacy we have, certainly we are excited to have our ladies represented.

"One of the good things about it is that seven or eight of the players have represented the West Indies team. 

"So that speaks volumes for the standard of our cricket here in Barbados.

"I know we'd be up against Australia, England...but we'd still be very, very optimistic that they can hold their own and do well at the Games." 

Cricket featured at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur but women, and the T20 format, will both debut at Birmingham's Edgbaston Stadium where a men's event will not be held.

For the full interview with Burke, a vice-president of the Barbados Olympic Association and a retired meteorologist, click here.