amaica senior women’s cricket Head Coach Shane Brooks says the dominant display in the 2024 regional competitions in St Kitts & Nevis is the perfect rally after last season’s disappointments.
The Stafanie Taylor-captained Jamaicans won four of five matches to lift the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup which was scheduled from March 4-13.
They accumulated 24 points to finish ahead of Guyana (18), Windward Islands (16), Barbados (14), Trinidad & Tobago (four), and Leeward Islands (two).
They completed the coveted double when they claimed the T20 Blaze, winning all five matches during the March 17-25 tournament.
They tallied 21 points, followed by Guyana (13), Trinidad & Tobago (nine), Leeward Islands (nine), Barbados (eight), and Windward Islands (four).
After clinching the regional Twenty20 title and finishing second in the Super50 in 2022, Jamaica’s women placed fourth in both competitions last year.
Brooks told the Jamaica Observer that a fitter, better prepared squad was well equipped to endure the rigours of competition this time around.
“When leaving Jamaica I believed that once our players stayed on the park, and we maintained a level of fitness right throughout, we would have done well,” he said on Wednesday.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is set to unveil its new four-year strategic plan for 2024-2027, titled "The Long Run". Recently presented to the Board of Directors during a board meeting in Antigua and discussed with shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, this strategic blueprint marks a pivotal juncture for the organization and West Indies cricket.
Reflecting on 2023 as a year of recovery and describing it as crucial in laying the groundwork for this ambitious plan, CWI Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, provided insight stating, "We are excited to present “The Long Run”, our strategic roadmap for the next four years. This plan sets a clear and ambitious path for CWI, focusing on strengthening our cricket system at all levels and maximizing our commercial value on the foundation of stable finances."
Grave underscored the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the organization's future direction. "Having presented the strategic plan to our Board of Directors and shareholders, we are now preparing to circulate it for wider discourse. It is essential that our stakeholders not only understand but also actively engage with the strategic plan as we move forward into another four-year cycle."
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) will once again be broadcast on TV6 in Trinidad & Tobago in 2024, with the tournament taking place from 29 August to 6 October.
The CPL and WCPL had outstanding TV numbers in Trinidad & Tobago during the 2023 season with the tournament outperforming the viewing figures achieved in the country for events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
The tournament achieved the highest prime time audience share of any broadcast in September 2023, with 41.87% of viewers tuning in to the Biggest Party in Sport. This was four times higher than the share of the second highest programme.
The viewership share in Trinidad & Tobago was a huge increase from the 2022 numbers and further cemented the CPL as the leading sports brand in the region.
Former Barbados female cricketer Michelle Ellis has died, the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) announced Sunday.
Below is the full statement from the BCA:
It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely passing of Ms Michelle Ellis, a former Barbados female cricketer.
Details of the funeral arrangements will be shared once confirmed.
Ellis, affectionately known as ‘Donna’ in the cricket circle, proudly represented the Barbados Women’s Cricket Team from 2005-2009.
She was instrumental in developing and growing the game in the country, and was a powerful right-handed batter, who sometimes opened the batting for the national side, and made handy contributions at the top of the order.
She was a no-nonsense player, who wore her heart on her sleeves, and displayed her passion for the game, both on and off the field. Her passion continued to shine beyond the boundaries, and even after her playing days, she remained an avid fan and ardent supporter of the female players, in particular.
Michelle Ellis will be remembered for her contribution to the women’s game and will be dearly missed. The way she stood tall and executed that exquisite ‘back-foot-punch’, will forever be a part of our memories. Condolences are extended to her family and friends.
MILTON Thomas, the new Jamaica Under-15 cricket head coach, says players are “upbeat” and eager going into the 2024 West Indies Rising Stars tournament in Antigua.
The Jamaicans, comprising a 14-member playing squad, were scheduled to depart the island on Sunday ahead of their opening match against Leeward Islands on Tuesday.
“The guys are upbeat,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer just prior to their departure.
Thomas, who replaces the experienced Philip Service as coach of the Under-15s, said once the budding cricketers play to their abilities he expects an improvement on Jamaica’s last-place finish from the previous season.
“I am hoping these youngsters play to their full potential. If they do that, I will be satisfied and I am certain it would put us in a good place.”
