Fans are in for a treat in mid-August when the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) hosts a four-nation T20 cricket series, involving regional teams.
The TTCB is bringing in Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana to tackle this country in a four-way series at the Queen’s Park Oval from August 19 to 21. This was revealed by manager of the team Omar Khan yesterday. He said :”The event has not been finalized just yet but we are looking to make this, part of our preparations as we head off to India for the Champions League Qualifiers.”
The series will be played as a round robin tournament and Khan is looking forward to having his players face their regional counterparts. “We are looking for meaningful practice ahead of the series and we thought that having Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica here would really test our players.
“We are hoping to have all the regional stars available for this tournament because the West Indies team is not on tour and the players would be available to take part.
“Having the regional players in the tournament will bring the crowds out and it will also serve as an opportunity for the local fans to see our players before they fly out to India for the Champions League.”
The national team will be flying out soon to Canada to play that country and Afghanistan in the three-way series, also as part of their preparations for the tournament.
Yesterday, they played two T20 trials and on Thursday they will be back at the same venue again playing another two matches. The 15-man team for the Canadian series will be named tomorrow by the national selectors.
Meanwhile, there is still no word on whether national stars Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard would be available for the Champions league qualifications. Khan said the TTCB has been in talks with the players and they are yet to report their availability.
Checks with chairman of the selection panel Dudnath Ramkessoon yesterday revealed that the TTCB has been in contact with officials of the Champions league and they are awaiting word on whether Pollard and Bravo can take part.
Both players missed the regional T20 tournament, which T&T won to make the Champions League qualification series.
