The Tournament was officially launched at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex last Monday.
In his address at the launch, Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA) and Vice President of Cricket West Indies Inc. CWI) said, “It is exciting times for SVG cricket. We are embarking on something totally new in this country – a T-10 tournament – first time ever a franchise system with six teams. I am feeling the buzz from the players, management and sport enthusiasts who have been thirsty for cricket for some time.”
In giving something about the genesis of the Tournament, Shallow explained, “I was approached by a colleague who works for an Indian company called ‘Dream 11’, a technology company (a fantasy sports platform) based in Mumbai India, with a user membership of 80 million, which will be our main audience. Out of this the VPL was conceived and developed.”
Shallow, in addressing the constraints occasioned by the COVID-19, said that “one of the first s we did is to reach out to the Prime Minister,” who formally endorsed the Tournament.
Consultations were also held with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
With respect to conforming to recommended practices during this period, Shallow assured: that players will be transported together so as not to expose them unnecessarily to the public; during short breaks between innings, the players will be provided with hand sanitizers, etc.; and spaces will be assigned to teams to encourage physical distancing.
In addition, Shallow said, members of the Royal SVG Police Force will be at matches to ensure that spectators comply with the social distancing as recommended.
The teams in the tournament are: Grenadines Divers – coach Ian Allen, manager Roland Wilkinson, marquee player Obed McCoy; La Soufriere Hikers – coach Irvin Warrican, manager Rawle Caine, marquee player Desron Maloney; Dark View Explorers – coach Bertrum Stapleton, manager Elron Lewis, marquee player Lindon James; Fort Charlotte Strikers – coach Kenroy Martin, manager Parnel Browne, marquee player Keron Cottoy; Botanic Gardens Rangers – coach Nixon Mclean, manager Elvis Browne, marquee player Keswick Williams; Salt Pond Breakers – coach Orlanzo Jackson, manager Ricky Grant, marquee player Sunil Ambris.
The tournament will begin on May 22nd and run until the 30th. Matches are scheduled for the Arnos Vale Playing Field and will begin at 8.30am and end at 2pm on each day.
(The Vincentian)
