Cuban Baseball Federation Deems Caribbean Series Exclusion “Unacceptable”
Table of Contents
The Cuban Baseball Federation has strongly condemned its exclusion from the 2026 Caribbean Series, following the tournament’s relocation to Guadalajara, Mexico. The decision underscores growing tensions surrounding Cuba’s participation in international sporting events amid complex political and logistical challenges.
The move to Mexico came after the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico declined to participate in Caracas, Venezuela, the originally scheduled host city, citing “external situations beyond their control.” This prompted a venue change approved by the Confederation of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Cup (CBPC), the governing body of the tournament.
“We consider it disrespectful to exclude Cuba from the 2026 Caribbean Baseball Series, which will definitely be held in Mexico,” a senior official from the Cuban Baseball Federation stated in a release this past Sunday. The federation emphasized that Cuba, as a founding member of the tournament, was not consulted during the decision-making process.
Lack of Communication Fuels Dispute
Cuban authorities have expressed significant frustration over the lack of communication from the CBPC regarding the venue change and subsequent exclusion. According to the statement, the organization failed to engage in dialogue with the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation, a breach of established commitments and previously approved plans.
“This organization did not maintain any communication with the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation on such an important decision, which undermines the established commitments and the plan approved by our country,” the official added. The federation argues that the altered circumstances do not justify Cuba’s non-participation, asserting the island nation deserves “respectful treatment, especially in such a delicate situation for our sport.”
Revised Tournament Format
The 2026 Caribbean Series, scheduled for February 1-8 at Estadio Panamericano, home of the Charros de Jalisco, will feature a revised format. The tournament will include the champions of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Panama as a guest country, and two teams from Mexico – the finalists of the 2025-2026 Mexican Pacific League.
The participation of the current Venezuelan league champion remains “under evaluation,” mirroring Cuba’s exclusion. This restructuring reflects the significant impact of the venue change, which was deemed an event with an “extra-sporting nature” by the CBPC.
A Continuing Trend of Exclusion
Cuba’s absence from the 2026 Caribbean Series represents a continuation of the island’s increasing isolation from premier Caribbean baseball competitions. Despite its historical significance in the development of the sport within the region, Cuba’s presence at high-level tournaments has been increasingly affected by institutional and political factors.
The decision to exclude Cuba is not based on athletic performance, but rather on broader geopolitical realities. This latest development highlights the challenges Cuba faces in maintaining its traditional role in Caribbean baseball, and raises questions about its future involvement in the sport’s regional landscape.
