By Prior Beharry
TRINIDAD-born Karishma Ramharack is optimistic about the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ chances in this year’s Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), following their runners-up finish last year to the Barbados Royals.
The 29-year-old spinner believes the team can build on their improved performance from the previous season and challenge the defending champions. She was speaking to the media at the launch of the 2024 edition of the WCPL at Massy head office at Wrightson Road in Port of Spain.
“Yeah, well I think again, coming out from last year, we had a better tournament from the first one, so just looking to build on that this year,” Ramharack said. “I think we have good players, match-winning players on the day, so I’m looking forward, you know, to mixing and mingling with some of them and obviously, you know, we’re gonna try to give it our best.”
Ramharack acknowledged the strength of the Barbados Royals, noting their balanced squad and ability to change the game at crucial moments.
“I think that really stood out for them in their game and every time we came up against them, they were able to change the game and take it from any part of the tournament,” she said.
However, Ramharack is confident that the Warriors are poised to reverse their fortunes against the champions this year. “Yeah, of course they deserve a beating and I think they will get it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Barbados-born cricketer Shamilla Connell is equally confident about the Trinbago Knight Riders’ (TKR) prospects this season. Connell believes the TKR squad is balanced and capable of regaining their crown, especially with the addition of powerhouse players like Meg Lanning and Jemimah Rodrigues.
“I think we have a very balanced and all-round team and hopefully we can go one step ahead and regain our crown,” Connell stated.
She said, “I think for the TKR, obviously you have the likes of Meg. She’s a powerhouse, then you have Jemi(mah) Rodrigues as well. I think for us as a bowling unit we just have to keep it tight, probably look to protect the boundaries as much as possible, but I think I’m very confident that our bowlers will be able to do the jobs.”
Connell also stated the importance of putting more runs on the board and hoped that regional players would step up to make a case for selection at the international level.
“I think we want to see our girls scoring more runs because it only can help us at the international level,” she said.
Connell also welcomed the return of Deandra Dottin from retirement, noting her potential impact on the West Indies team as they prepare for a World Cup year.
“I think for any team, Deandra (Dottin) is a plus, so to see her come back out from retirement I think for us as a West Indies unit hopefully… she’s selected and it’s only a bonus for the West Indies team, especially as we are coming up in a World Cup year,” Connell said.
