January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Bermuda to play Guyana in Stanford 20/20
It was announced yesterday that Bermuda will be participating in the 2008 event along with the 18 other countries that played in the 2006 tournament and that Cuba and Turks and Caicos will enter for the first time.
Bermuda helped lobby for the inclusion of Turks.
The tournament is scheduled for January 25 to February 24.
Bermuda Cricket Board chairman Reg Pearman said: "We are pleased once again to be involved in this exciting event. Last year the Stanford 20/20 captured the imagination of the region with some fabulous cricket and I expect that we will see more of the same this year.
"From a playing point of view, I hope that we will be able to improve on last year's performance when we ran into a strong Jamaican team, but I note we have once again drawn a team, Guyana, that many will consider to be one of the favourites. Importantly, Mr Stanford has continued his commitment to improving grass roots cricket with his continued investment for each country - this aspect mirrors the work that we at the BCB hold in high regard. We are implementing a comprehensive islandwide upgrade programme of facilities to allow the game to flourish at all levels. The investment support provided by our involvement in the tournament will enable us to make further inroads on this vital project."
"Finally, I note that two new countries have been added to the competition. It is pleasing to see that these 2 countries, that are ICC Affiliate members in our Americas region, will have the opportunity to boost their local game through involvement in the Stanford 20/20."
A spokesperson for the Stanford 20-20 said in a press release that "Both countries are affiliate members of the ICC since 2002, and play in the ICC Americas Tournament. Cuba has a very rich cricket history which can be traced back to the 1950s. Their Under-15 team in particular is thriving. The Jamaica Cricket Association has a strong relationship with Cuba and has been working closely with the officials over there on their game.
"Stanford 20/20 has also committed development funding to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico but these countries' participation in the Tournament itself has been deferred until 2009 when it is expected that they will be able to field a team made up of Dominican and Puerto Rican nationals respectively.
The random draw was carried out by the legends on Tuesday, 3 July. One match in particular that is sure to attract much attention will be that of Antigua and Barbuda against the winner of Match 5 (St. Kitts vs. USVI) as the Antigua and Barbuda Stanford 20/20 Professional Team will make its Tournament debut. Much has been made of this team who is the test case for Sir Allen Stanford's 20/20 Professional League in the Caribbean. The team began its training on 2nd July and could be seen at the Stanford Cricket Ground being put through their paces by trainer Jawakie Jones and coach Eldine Baptiste.
Perhaps the most exciting news was that of the much anticipated Stanford Super Stars Tournament whose programme has been significantly expanded after having been cancelled in 2006. That Tournament will take place in June 2008 and feature a Super Stars team comprised of the best players from the 20/20 Tournament. Dependant on ICC and other approvals four ICC teams will be invited to come to Antigua to play against each other in a single elimination knockout competition. The winner of those matches will play the Stanford Super Stars for a jackpot of US$20 million.[[In-content Ad]]
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