CPL

CPL addresses controversy surrounding power outage during eliminator match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals

By Sports Desk October 03, 2024

The 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has released a detailed statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the Eliminator match between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Barbados Royals, following widespread concerns that the rules may have been breached during the game. A power outage during the match, played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, led to questions regarding the timing and conditions under which the game resumed, with many pointing to a possible violation of CPL rules.

The controversy centers on a significant delay caused by the loss of power to three floodlight towers at 20:58, after 19.1 overs of the Knight Riders' innings had been completed. Two of the towers were restored within 30 minutes, but match umpires Deighton Butler and Nigel Duguid deemed the lighting conditions unsafe for play to continue.

Despite this, both teams were given the option to resume play under the reduced lighting. While the Barbados Royals were willing to continue, the Trinbago Knight Riders opted not to proceed due to safety concerns, a decision supported by the match officials.

Initially, a cut-off time of 22:52 was communicated for the start of the second innings, with the requirement that at least five overs must be bowled for the match to constitute an official result. However, this deadline was later revised to 23:01 to accommodate the interval between innings, which had not been factored into the original cut-off time.

At 22:51, power was fully restored to the third floodlight tower, and following an additional allowance for the lights to reach maximum brightness, match officials decided to resume the game at 23:01. This led to a five-over chase for the Barbados Royals, who were set a target of 60 runs based on the ICC-approved Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, which is the universally accepted approach for calculating revised targets in rain or other interruptions.

The target, considered by some to be particularly high, sparked further debate, especially given that the Royals were allowed two powerplay overs with fielding restrictions, which many argued gave them an unfair advantage.

CWI Senior Match Referee Reon King, who was overseeing the match, addressed the concerns, stating: “The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League playing conditions allow for one hour of extra time to be added to a game before overs are lost, and a failure of floodlights is treated in exactly the same way as an interruption for rain. The priority for the match officials team is always for the safety of players, but they also work to try and see if the outcome of a game, one way or another, can be achieved on the field of play. This was the focus applied during the Eliminator match.”

Despite these clarifications, questions remain regarding the decision to extend the cut-off time and the overall fairness of the playing conditions, particularly with such a high run-rate requirement for the five overs. Some have pointed to CPL T20 rules that state that the match should not have resumed after the one-hour interruption mark, which would have been 10:52 pm, yet the game was restarted at 11:01 pm.

The Barbados Royals went on to chase the target, raising further concerns among fans and pundits that the rules were stretched to ensure a result, casting a shadow over the conclusion of the match.

While the CPL has emphasized that all protocols were followed, the incident has raised critical discussions about transparency and fairness in managing extraordinary match situations. As the league continues to grow in popularity, the CPL's handling of such incidents will likely remain under scrutiny from the teams and fans alike.

 

 

 

 

 

Related items

  • West Indies clinch ODI series over England with dominant chase led by Carty and King hundreds West Indies clinch ODI series over England with dominant chase led by Carty and King hundreds

    West Indies secured a thrilling eight-wicket victory over England in the third ODI at Kensington Oval on Wednesday, sealing a 2-1 series win. Powered by centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King, the hosts chased down England’s 263-run target with ease under the floodlights.

    England, after a rough start that left them reeling at 24 for 4, rallied to post a competitive 263 for 8, thanks largely to Phil Salt’s 79 and Dan Mousley’s inventive 57. Jamie Overton contributed a brisk 32 off 21 balls, and Jofra Archer added firepower with an unbeaten 38 off just 17 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the West Indies bowlers had already left a mark, with Alzarri Joseph (2 for 40) and Romario Shepherd (2 for 48) taking key early wickets alongside Matthew Forde’s standout 3 for 35.

    In reply, West Indies wasted no time asserting dominance. Brandon King launched into Jofra Archer’s first over, slamming consecutive boundaries to set the tone. Although Evin Lewis was dismissed for 19, King and Carty anchored the innings with a record-breaking 209-run partnership, the highest for West Indies against England in ODI cricket. King, who benefitted from two dropped catches, reached his third ODI hundred before being bowled for 102 with just 13 runs needed. Carty’s unbeaten 128 off 97 balls was a maiden ODI century, making him the first cricketer from St. Maarten to reach three figures for West Indies.

    The win, secured with ample overs to spare, highlighted the potent combination of West Indies’ bowling strength and the emerging batting prowess of Carty and King, who have undoubtedly set a high standard for the future of Caribbean cricket.

     
    4o
     
     
     
     
  • West Indies quick Matthew Forde joins Rangpur Riders for the 2024 Global Super League West Indies quick Matthew Forde joins Rangpur Riders for the 2024 Global Super League

    West Indies pacer Matthew Forde has been named in the Rangpur Riders squad for the upcoming 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), a T20 showdown set to take place from November 26 to December 7 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. This exciting tournament marks the debut of the GSL, featuring five international teams competing for a USD$1 million prize fund over 11 matches.

    The Rangpur Riders have assembled a dynamic squad blending experienced Bangladeshi talent with key overseas players. The team includes Bangladesh internationals Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan, all known for their T20 prowess. Additionally, Matthew Forde brings West Indies flavor to the squad, while England’s seasoned campaigners Wayne Madsen and Zak Chappell add valuable experience alongside USA’s Harmeet Singh.

    Complementing this core group, the Riders' squad also includes Bangladeshi players Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain, Arafat Sunny, and Kamrul Islam, ensuring a strong blend of youth and experience.

    The 2024 Global Super League, featuring teams from Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria, will showcase global T20 talent in its inaugural edition, with each team vying for the championship title. The competition promises a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans, with Rangpur Riders setting their sights on making an impact in the tournament’s opening chapter.

     

  • Imran Tahir to lead as Guyana Amazon Warriors squad named for inaugural Global Super League Imran Tahir to lead as Guyana Amazon Warriors squad named for inaugural Global Super League

    The Guyana Amazon Warriors have announced their squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place from November 26 to December 7. Fresh off leading the Warriors to their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in 2023, veteran South African spinner Imran Tahir will again captain the team. He’ll be joined by an impressive lineup of international stars and talented local players, eager to make an impact in this highly anticipated T20 tournament.

    Supporting Tahir are several international names, including South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and England’s seasoned all-rounder Moeen Ali, who bring both experience and versatility to the squad. The overseas contingent also includes left-arm spinner Hassan Khan, based in the USA, and Bangladesh’s seam bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who rounds out a solid mix of international expertise.

    At the heart of the squad is a core of Guyanese talent that has become synonymous with the Amazon Warriors. Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer, and Keemo Paul, all well-known figures in West Indies cricket, will represent their home side, bringing both local pride and firepower to the team. Adding further strength, the Warriors welcome West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope and versatile all-rounder Roston Chase to their ranks, promising a balanced lineup for the GSL competition.

    The Amazon Warriors will look to build on the momentum of their CPL success, backed by home support at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The GSL features five teams – the Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria – competing over 11 matches for a prize fund of USD 1 million. Fans can expect a thrilling display of T20 cricket, with the Warriors eager to make their mark on the global stage.