RUSSELL...At the CPL, we are committed to looking for opportunities to support young people across the region through the magic of sport.
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has pledged a US$20,000 donation to benefit two Trinidad and Tobago charities, Rainbow Rescue and the Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation (CKFTO).
Those funds will be split equally between the two organizations, both of which focus on improving the lives of young people in the country.
According to a CPL statement released on Friday, the charities were selected after discussions with Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Kangaloo, who highlighted the significant impact both organizations have on the lives of vulnerable youth.
Rainbow Rescue, founded in 1999 by Judy Wilson, serves as a refuge for socially displaced boys aged 10 to 18. The organization was created in response to the growing number of boys living on the streets, driven there by poverty, family breakdown, and abuse.
As such, CPL’s donation will aid Rainbow Rescue in its mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for these at-risk youth.
CKFTO, on the other hand, offers therapeutic services for children with special needs, aiming to empower families and foster an inclusive society. By providing professional and compassionate support, CKFTO works to ensure that children with disabilities and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
CPL’s CEO, Pete Russell, expressed the league’s pride in supporting the efforts of both Rainbow Rescue and CKFTO, as this donation underscores their broader commitment to fostering positive change in communities across the Caribbean.
“At the CPL, we are committed to looking for opportunities to support young people across the region through the magic of sport, and we are pleased that we can both contribute and shine a light on the amazing work these charities do for young people,” said Russell.
“We very much hope that this is the start of a long-term relationship with both organizations and are pleased that by donating to both charities, we are also supporting the President’s agenda of helping young people in need across TT,” he added.
Deccan Gladiators hammer Morrisville Samp Army by eight wickets to win third Abu Dhabi T10 title
The Deccan Gladiators completed a near perfect season in the Abu Dhabi T10 League with an eight-wicket win over the Morrisville Samp Army in the final on Monday.
The Gladiators got to the final after winning the first qualifier on Saturday against the same opposition while the Samp Army got a second crack at the Gladiators by winning the second qualifier earlier on Monday against the Delhi Bulls.
Deccan won the toss and elected to field first in the decider, posting a respectable 104-7 from their 10 overs thanks to 34 from Faf du Plessis and 21 from Andries Gous.
Man of the match Richard Gleeson took 2-16 for the Gladiators with his pace.
The Gladiators then needed only 6.5 overs to reach 110-2 and win their second title in three years.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore led the way with 56* off 21 balls, hitting four five fours and four sixes while captain Nicholas Pooran made 28 off 10 including three sixes.
Player of the tournament Jos Buttler made 12* for Gladiators who lost only once this season to the UP Nawabs in the league phase.
West Indies announce 15-man squad for CG United ODI series against Bangladesh
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the 15-man squad for the upcoming CG United One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, set to take place from December 8–12, 2024 at Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis. The three-match series, dubbed the "West Indies Home for Christmas" series, promises to be an exciting contest as the West Indies aim to build on their recent success against England.
The squad features two changes from the unit that clinched a 2-1 series victory over England in "The Rivalry" series. All-rounder Justin Greaves and wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo have been called up to replace Hayden Walsh Jnr and Jewel Andrew.
Jewel Andrew, meanwhile, will join a batting camp at the Chennai Academy in India, focused on improving performance in spin-friendly conditions as part of Cricket West Indies' development initiative.
Justin Greaves makes his return to the ODI squad after an outstanding campaign in the CG United Super50 competition, where he smashed a record three consecutive List A centuries. His recent maiden Test century against Bangladesh further solidified his credentials. Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized Greaves' ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball, describing him as a versatile option capable of batting anywhere in the top six.
Amir Jangoo also earned his spot following a stellar Super50 season, where he led the scoring charts with 446 runs at an average of 89.20. His inclusion brings depth and dynamism to the batting lineup, according to Sammy.
Head Coach Daren Sammy outlined the team's dual focus on short-term success and long-term preparation for the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup.
“We are looking to broaden the pool of players while also focusing on winning series at home and building momentum from our recent success against England,” Sammy said. He also highlighted the balance Greaves and Jangoo bring to the team, noting their ability to add flexibility and dimension to the batting and all-round units.
The team will be led by Shai Hope, with Brandon King serving as vice-captain. Key players like Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd retain their spots, while emerging talents like Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie offer exciting options in the bowling department.
West Indies CG United ODI Squad:
Shai Hope (Captain)
Brandon King (Vice-Captain)
Keacy Carty
Roston Chase
Matthew Forde
Justin Greaves
Shimron Hetmyer
Amir Jangoo
Alzarri Joseph
Shamar Joseph
Evin Lewis
Gudakesh Motie
Sherfane Rutherford
Jayden Seales
Romario Shepherd
The series will begin on December 8, with subsequent matches on December 10 and December 12 at Warner Park. With the "West Indies Home for Christmas" series set to captivate fans, the team looks ready to continue their winning ways and fine-tune their squad ahead of next year’s global tournaments.
I would have asked to bat in top four on debut, says England's Bethell
Jacob Bethell said that he would have asked to bat up the order on his Test debut had he not received a "surprise" invitation to do so by England against New Zealand.
Bethell scored an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after coming in at number three and also hit the winning runs as the tourists posted an eight-wicket win in the first Test in Christchurch.
"I would have asked for it to be honest," Bethell told BBC Sport.
"I like batting up the order so I was really happy that opportunity arose. I've always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect," added Bethell, who had not battled above number four in his first-class career where he has an average of 25.44 from 30 innings.
The 21-year-old was called up to the England squad as a batting cover, but found himself in the line-up after an injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.
Bethell was dismissed for 10 in his first Test innings, but produced a quick half-century in the second as England chased down the 104-run target set by New Zealand with ease.
"It's everything I've dreamed of," said Bethell, who hit eight fours and a six during his knock.
"It lived up to expectations. It was so fun."
But Bethell will have his work cut out to keep his number three spot with Ollie Pope, who moved down the order due to workload management after wicketkeeping duties, being the regular for England in that position.
"It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfield, good pitches and playing against a good team, so it was great," Bethell said.
"To come out in the second innings and have a chance to walk off with an England win was at the forefront of my mind and luckily I was able to do that."
Born in Barbados, Bethell moved to England at the age of 13 and made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia in September.
He has scored three scores of 50 or more in 15 limited-over appearances for England so far, earning him a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League worth about £245,000.
The second Test of the three-match series will begin in Wellington on Thursday.
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