Cuba's Exclusion from Caribbean Series Sparks Controversy

Cuba's baseball authorities have rejected the island's exclusion from the upcoming Caribbean Series, describing the decision as disrespectful. The Confederation of Professional Baseball of the Caribbean, which governs the tournament, has invited only Panama to participate following a shift in the tournament's venue from Venezuela to Mexico.

This decision has angered Cuban officials, who emphasize that Cuba is a founding member of the Caribbean Series and has not been consulted regarding such a significant change. The series, now set to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from February 1 to 7, 2026, has reduced the number of participating teams from eight to five.

Alongside Cuba, teams from Colombia and Japan have also been excluded, with only teams representing Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela remaining. The Cuban Baseball Federation criticized the actions of the CBPC, calling them unjust and highlighting the need for respectful treatment, especially given the sensitivity surrounding the sport in Cuba.