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West Indies Win Over England To Take Series Lead

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News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tues. Dec 12, 2023: The West Indies cricket team trounced England today to take the lead in the Twenty20 International series – 1-0.

The Windies men won by four wickets in the opening Twenty20 International of the five-match series at Kensington Oval in Barbados. England were sent in by West Indies to bat and were dismissed for 171 off 19.3 overs.

Adil Rashid (R) of England congratulates Andre Russell (C) and Rovman Powell (L) of West Indies for winning the 1st T20I between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The West Indies got off to a blazing start in their innings but faced a setback as England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid reached his 100th T20 international wicket in his 100th match.

Following a brief rain delay, Rehan Ahmed applied pressure on the hosts, claiming two wickets in two consecutive balls. However, the West Indies fought back, led by the experienced duo of captain Rovman Powell and Russell.

Andre Russell (R) of West Indies hits 6 as Jos Buttler (L) of England watches during the 1st T20I between West Indies and England at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

With the required run rate increasing, Powell smashed Liam Livingstone for consecutive sixes, shifting the momentum back in favor of the home side. Russell joined the party, and the West Indies executed their victory plan with precision.

Powell finished unbeaten with 31 runs off 15 balls, while Russell remained not out with 29 runs from 14 balls, hitting the winning runs with 11 balls to spare.

The teams will now move to Grenada for the second T20 on Thursday, with the West Indies leading 1-0 in the five-match series.

Scores:

ENGLAND 171 off 19.3 overs (Phil Salt 40, Jos Buttler 39, Liam Livingstone 27; Andre Russell 3-19, Alzarri Joseph 3-54, Romario Shepherd 2-22)

WEST INDIES 172 for six off 18.1 overs (Shai Hope 36, Kyle Mayers 35, Rovman Powell 31 not out, Andre Russell 29 not out; Rehan Ahmed 3-39, Adil Rashid 2-25)

Two West Indies Cricket Legends Pass Away On Same Day

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News Americas, New York, NY – On December 8, 2023, the cricket world lost two revered former Guyana and West Indies cricketers, Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts.

West Indian cricketer, Joe Solomon, at Arundel 27th April 1963. (Photo by Bill Smith/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Joe Solomon, known for his exceptional batting skills in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away at the age of 93. He made his debut for the West Indies in 1958, leaving an indelible mark with impressive scores and memorable moments. Even after retiring from playing, he continued to serve Guyanese cricket in various capacities, including as the president of the Guyana Cricket Board and the Guyana Sugar Corporation. His dedication to the sport earned him the Golden Arrow of Achievement from the Government of Guyana. Solomon migrated to New York from 1984 but remained connected to Guyana.

The oldest living West Indies Test cricketer, passed away in the United States, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Former West Indian team manager Clyde Butts, passed away on Dec. 8, 2023 after an accident in Guyana.
(Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

Clyde Godfrey Butts, born in the village of Perseverance, was the youngest of ten siblings. He made his Test debut in 1987 and played seven Tests during West Indies’ dominant era. Butts was a leading bowler in the West Indies first-class championship in the 1980s and ended his career with an impressive 348 first-class wickets. He also captained Guyana in domestic cricket and served as the head coach of the West Indies under-19 cricket team in 2004. Later, in 2008, he became a national selector and played a crucial role in Cricket West Indies’ selection panel. During his time as chairman of selectors, West Indies achieved victory in the 2012 ICC World Twenty20.

Sadly, Clyde Butts met with an accident at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and passed away in Guyana on December 8th.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, expressed his condolences and recognized the immense contributions of both Solomon and Butts. He described Joe Solomon as a hero of West Indies cricket and lauded his iconic moments on the field. Clyde Butts, known for his off-spin skills and captaincy for Guyana, left a lasting legacy beyond cricket. He was acknowledged as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the wider region. Even in retirement, Butts dedicated himself to coaching and nurturing young talent.

During the third ODI between West Indies and England on December 9, 2023, West Indies players paid tribute to the late legends by wearing black armbands, and a minute’s silence was observed in their honor before the match commenced. The cricket world mourns the loss of these two remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to the sport.

Jamaica Achieves Historic Win on Canadian Turf

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Weds. Nov. 22, 2023: In a thrilling second leg at Toronto’s BMO Field, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz staged a remarkable comeback to secure their place in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal and a berth in the Copa America 2024, following a 3-2 victory over Canada on Nov. 21, 2023.

Despite Canada’s early lead in the match, thanks to Alphonso Davies, and a seemingly solid 3-1 aggregate advantage, Jamaica turned the tables in a dramatic 15-minute spell in the second half. Striker Shamar Nicholson’s impressive double, followed by a decisive penalty from Fulham’s Bobby De Cordova-Reid, clinched Jamaica’s progress on away goals after a gripping 4-4 tie over both legs.

Canada now faces a crucial match against Trinidad and Tobago in March, a one-off playoff that will determine their fate in the upcoming Copa America 2024, set to be held in the U.S. The Nations League finals are set for March 21-24 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.

Shamar Nicholson #11 of Jamaica celebrates his second goal with teammates during a CONCACAF Nations League match against Canada at BMO Field on November 21, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Bobby Reid #10 of Jamaica beats Milan Borjan #18 of Canada from the penalty spot during a CONCACAF Nations League match at BMO Field on November 21, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Shamar Nicholson #11 of Jamaica beats Milan Borjan #18 of Canada to score his first goal during a CONCACAF Nations League match at BMO Field on November 21, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Formidable South Africa Squad To Face West Indies A Team

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 9, 2023: A formidable 15-man South Africa ‘A’ squad has been unveiled to take on West Indies ‘A’ in a three-match four-day series set to commence later this month. This impressive lineup comprises seven Test players and eight newcomers to the ‘A’ squad.

The squad features Test players such as batsmen Keegan Petersen, Tony de Zorzi, and Zubayr Hamza, alongside fast bowlers Duanne Olivier, Dane Patterson, Hardus Viljoen, and off-spinner Dane Piedt. Neil Brand, an experienced left-arm spinning all-rounder who is yet to make his Test debut, will lead this talented group.

In a significant development, newcomers like David Bedingham, rising batting sensation Ruan de Swardt, experienced wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin, and promising fast-bowling all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana have earned their first call-ups to the ‘A’ squad.

Shukri Conrad, Proteas red-ball coach, highlighted the importance of this tour, emphasizing its role in preparing for the upcoming international season and building depth in the red-ball pipeline. The squad was carefully chosen with an eye on the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.

Neil Brand’s appointment as captain is based on his resilience and toughness, attributes highly valued by the team. The selectors believe he has much to offer beyond his role as an opening batter and anticipate his impact at this level.

The West Indies ‘A’ squad for the tour, scheduled to run from November 21 to December 8, is yet to be announced. The matches will be held at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, Buffalo Park in East London, and Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

SQUAD:

Neil Brand (captain)
David Bedingham
Ruan de Swardt
Tony de Zorzi
Clyde Fortuin
Zubayr Hamza
Tshepo Moreki
Mihlali Mpongwana
Duanne Olivier
Dane Patterson
Keegan Petersen
Dane Piedt
Raynard van Tonder
Hardus Viljoen
Khaya Zondo

Reggae Girlz’ Eligibility for Upcoming FIFA Window Remains Uncertain

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 3, 2023: With just over three weeks remaining before the next FIFA window, during which Jamaica will face Guatemala and Panama in return fixtures of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers, the eligibility of members from the FIFA World Cup squad for selection remains uncertain.

These players had previously made themselves unavailable for the window, which resulted in Jamaica’s 2-1 loss to Panama followed by a 2-2 draw with Guatemala at home. Xavier Gilbert has now been confirmed as the interim head coach of Jamaica’s senior women’s football team for two additional CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying games.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the governing body for the sport in the country, made this announcement on Tuesday.

Gilbert will be in charge when Jamaica hosts Group B leaders Panama on November 29 and when the Reggae Girls travel to Guatemala for their return game on December 3. In the previous matches, Jamaica experienced a 1-2 defeat to Panama in the first leg of their home-and-away fixture, followed by a 2-2 draw with Guatemala.

In a statement, the JFF praised Gilbert and the Senior Reggae Girlz for their recent performances against Panama and Guatemala, expressing gratitude for their dedication to representing Jamaica and the JFF with outstanding performances.

Cricket Returns To The Olympics In 2028

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 20, 2023: Get ready for Cricket in the Olympics.

The sport returns to the Summer Olympics in 2028 after an absence of 128 years. The proposal received approval during the IOC Session in Mumbai on Monday, with just two delegates voting against the inclusion of these new events.

This marks the return of cricket to the Olympics with both men’s and women’s T20 tournaments featuring six teams.

“After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage,” former India captain Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!”

“Our beautiful game of cricket has a rich heritage and diverse international following,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam, the world’s top-ranked one-day international batsman. “It has the potential to enhance the spirit of Olympics even further. Cricket in the Olympics will inspire new generation, athletes and fans around the globe.”

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900, but the game is played at other multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. It is likely to be retained for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which will be held in cricket-loving Australia.

“Players will get the chance to compete for an Olympic gold medal and be part of the games, which will be so special,” said Mithali Raj, a former India women’s cricket team captain. “It’s also a chance for more fans around the world to enjoy our fantastic sport.”

For the last two years, the International Cricket Council has been working extensively with the IOC for inclusion at the Los Angeles Games. The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, and commonly known as Los Angeles 2028 or LA28, is scheduled to take place from July 14 to 30, 2028, in and around Los Angeles, California.

Also added are squash, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and flag football. Lacrosse will be a medal sport at the Olympics for the first time since 1908, while baseball has made several appearances in previous Olympic Games.

Diaspora Initiative Aims To Enhance Emergency Response In Sporting Events In Jamaica

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Oct. 15, 2023: According to recent research from the National Institute of Health, a good mix of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation can save lives and boost survival rates to 70%.

Caribbean Diaspora organization, Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB), is continuing its focus on making this life saving measure available to schools and sports associations in Jamaica. The group, headed by Jamaican immigrant, Irwine Clare, Sr., OD, will make another significant contribution to school safety and sports events by presenting 35 Automated External Defibrillators, (AED), to various schools and sports associations. The “Defibrillators in Schools” initiative will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium located on the UTECH campus.

The presentation ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 am and will be followed by in-person training sessions on AED usage and the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR). In addition to the AED units, each recipient will also receive a Sports First Aid Kit.

TJB initiated the “Defibrillator to Schools Program” in 2014, inspired by a tragic incident during a cross-country meet in Tobago, where a St. Jago High School student lost his life. This unfortunate event highlighted the pressing need for readily available emergency resources at schools, especially during sporting events.

Since its inception, the program has made significant strides. TJB has donated over 100 AED units to schools and organizations and provided training to more than 400 staff and students. The training sessions will be conducted by certified nurses Delores McGregor, Sharon Thompson, and Winsome James from the Diaspora Health Care Sector. These professionals are Basic Life Support, (BLS), Certified and are also members of the Jamaican Nurses Association in the Northeast Diaspora.

In addition to schools, several sporting associations and tertiary institutions will benefit from this initiative. These include Netball Jamaica, Jamaica Volleyball, UTECH, GC Foster College of Sports and Recreation, Montego Bay Community College, and The Mico University College.

Clare emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of athletes. He stated: “TJB is committed to our athletes’ welfare and general well-being as they endeavor to excel in their chosen discipline.”

Special thanks were extended to major sponsors, including the Second Round Foundation, represented by NBA Point Guard Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), and Olympic Sprinter Adelina Bernard, who has represented Panama, Jamaica, and Venezuela. The Jamaica National (JN) Group has also played a significant role in supporting this initiative.

TJB, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1994, has consistently supported the development and care of athletes and coaches at Penn Relays through its Hospitality Initiative Program. This program has exposed Caribbean athletes to valuable scholarship opportunities and has been made possible through the generous support of donors, sponsors, and supporters. TJB’s commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of athletes remains unwavering, and this latest initiative is a testament to their dedication.

Three US States Will Host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Cricket Matches

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 29, 2023: In a major announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially disclosed that three US states are among the venues for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

This tournament promises to be one of the most significant cricket events ever, with 20 teams battling for the coveted trophy. The ICC has chosen to play matches in South Florida, Texas and New York as well as a mix of Caribbean locations – marking a historic moment in the world of cricket.

In South Florida, the matches will be played at the Lauderhill Cricket Ground in Broward County in Florida while matches are also set for Grand Prairie in Dallas, Texas and Nassau County in New York.

Shai Hope, of West Indies takes a shot during the fifth and final T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

This announcement has generated immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. For the first time, the United States will co-host an ICC event, marking a significant step in the global expansion of cricket. The inclusion of the USA as a host country underscores the growing popularity of cricket in North America.

The Caribbean matches will be played in:

Antigua & Barbuda

Barbados

Dominica

Guyana

St. Lucia

Trinidad & Tobago

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, “We’re delighted to announce the seven Caribbean venues that will host the biggest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever staged, with 20 teams competing for the trophy. They’re all popular venues with players and fans alike that will provide a wonderful backdrop to the event.”

He further added, “This will be the third ICC senior men’s event hosted by the West Indies, and the matches will again give cricket fans the unique experience of enjoying cricket in the Caribbean. I’d like to thank Cricket West Indies and the seven host governments for their continued commitment and support of our sport.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to take place from June 4 to June 30, and it promises to be a celebration of cricket’s global appeal. As teams from all corners of the world compete in thrilling matches, fans can look forward to witnessing some of the finest cricketing talents in action.

Preparations are already in full swing, and cricket aficionados are counting down the days until the tournament kicks off. Stay tuned for more updates as the cricketing world gears up for this epic showdown in the Caribbean and the USA.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Win CPL 2023 Finals

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Sun. Sept. 24, 2023: The Guyana Amazon Warriors came back with a vengeance Sunday night to silence the Trinibago Knight Riders on their fifth try in the competition’s history and win the finals of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, CPL, competition by 9 wickets on home turf at the Providence Stadium on the East Bank of Demerara in Guyana.

Fans of Guyana Amazon Warriors cheer during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Warriors won the toss and chose to bowl, unleashing a fire storm that left the Knight Riders floundering at 94 all out from their 18.1 overs.

Imran Tahir of Guyana Amazon Warriors appeals during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Warriors then took to the crease with the Pakistani-born Saim Ayub and Kemmo Paul opening the batting. However, Paul was bowled for 11 with the score at 15 for 1. Ayub was then joined by Guyanese-born Shai Hope at the crease and the two settled into a partnership that took the Warriors from 15 for 1 to 99 for 1 in 14 overs.

A fan dressed as a chicken shows his support during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Ayud ended with a half-century knock of 52 not-out while Hope ended on 32 not out.

Saim Ayub of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits four runs during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The pick of the bowlers for Guyana was the South Africa born Dwaine Pretorius, who bagged 4 wickets for 26 runs while Gudakesh Motie grabbed 2 for 7 and Imran Tahir, 2 for 8. The top scorer for the Knight Riders was Keacy Carty who scored 38.

Kieron Pollard (R) and Chadwick Walton (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders react to a DSR decision shown on the big screen during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League Final between Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Guyana CPL Fans Are Having A Blast

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News Americas, PROVIDENCE, Guyana, Thurs. Sept. 21, 2023: Whether the Guyana Amazon Warriors can secure a significant victory against the Jamaica Tallawahs and earn a chance to face the TRINBAGO Knight Riders once more in this year’s CPL finals is yet to be determined. However, one thing is certain – Guyanese Warriors fans are having an absolute blast supporting their team.

A fan of Guyana Amazon Warriors holds up a sign for Saim Ayub of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 Qualifier 1 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

While the Knight Riders (TKR) secured their spot in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League finals with a convincing 7-wicket victory over Guyana on Wednesday, the spirit of the Warriors fans remains unshaken.

A fan of Guyana Amazon Warriors holds up a sign during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

A fan of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Take a look at some of the vibrant signs displayed by the fans during the matches.

A fan of Guyana Amazon Warriors shows her support during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will lock horns with the Jamaica Tallawahs in today’s qualifier two match to determine who will face TKR in the final showdown on Sunday.

Fans of Guyana Amazon Warriors show a sign during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders at Providence Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)