With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still in effect the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) could be played without overseas players.
While it seems a gloomy prospect, Guyana Amazon Warriors duo, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd see this as an opportunity for the local players to take centre-stage.
According to CPL organisers, “the CPL is scheduled to take place between August 19 and September 26 but the tournament organisers are currently watching the situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical officers and governments. A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time will be made soon.”
CPL’s chief operations officer Pete Russell is reported to have told ESPNCricinfo, “We’re looking at different permutations in terms of what could or couldn’t happen, but the lucky thing is that we’ve got a bit of time – we don’t have to force a decision.”
The report also quoted Russell as saying “The player side is the important bit. It could be that CPL is played without international players this year, and there’s enough Caribbean talent to play without if we have to – that’s not our preferred option, but it’s doable…And then obviously you have to go through the whole medical process. Would you quarantine players, or put them all in the same hotel? How would that all work? Even if we don’t necessarily use [these plans] this year, it’s vitally important that we’ve done them. That’s my biggest focus at the minute.”
In an interview with Staboek Sport, Rutherford, 21, admitted it would be a big blow for the overseas not to participate but supported Russell’s opinion of the Caribbean being packed with talent and posited that this will be an important time for their talents to come to the crease.
“The CPL with the international players bring a bit of flavor [but] I think it is going to be an opportunity now for young Caribbean players who haven’t been picked up last season or haven’t had a chance, I think this year if that happens is going to be a big chance for them…Even my friends that I train with I spoke to them and told them it is an opportunity for some of them to get in,” Rutherford noted.
Shepherd, 25, also agreed with his teammate and added, “it will be a big blow yes because we learn a lot from the overseas players and their different approach and stuff, however, it will provide a lot of opportunities for the local players to show what we have…I’m sure it will be fun because in the West Indies we don’t lack talent.”
Another option touted includes playing in front of empty stadiums or venues with a handful of spectators maintaining social distancing guidelines.
On this option, Shepherd believed the alternative “makes sense” and was willing “to give it a shot and see how it goes” but was cognizant that at the end of the day the decision remains with the organisers who will seek the best way to deal with the situation.
Rutherford proclaimed Guyana as having one of the most exciting crowds when they cheer on the home side and five-time finalists, Amazon Warriors at the National Stadium, Providence.
The hard-hitting batsman who strikes at 141 in the format suggested it would be a bit different to play in empty stadiums.
“The fans can still watch it on TV and we will still feel the support, you know Guyanese fans support strong and I think with everyone watching their support is still needed and in advance I would say thanks for the support.”
