CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – When the St. Lucia T10 Blast bowls off next Tuesday, former West Indies captain Darren Sammy will be among cricketers who will be on the field competitively for the first time since a COVID-19-forced break in sports here.
The St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) said yesterday that West Indies Under-19 captain Kimani Melius, as well as Johnson Charles and several other top regional players will also be competing in the tournament set to bowl off at the Darren Sammy Cricket Grounds.
“This will be a historic event as the embattled sports world comes to grips with the new COVID-19 norm, thrust unceremoniously upon humanity across the globe and the sporting fraternity makes the necessary adjustments to return to active sports,” said SLNCA president Carol Henry.
“Excitement is building up among players, officials and cricket lovers alike as June 23, 2020, draws closer. It promises to be a very special occasion indeed.”
A total of 30 matches will be played in the tournament, which runs until July 8, including two daily – one at 12:30 Eastern Caribbean time and another at 2:30 pm.
Games will be played without spectators, as has been the standard amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, matches will be broadcast and streamed live on local station, WinnersTV.
The tournament also includes a best-of-three women’s competition.
St. Lucia is the second Caribbean island to launch a domestic T10 competition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, the inaugural franchise-based Vincy Premier League was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
