By Prior Beharry
TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) are unveiled as the primary sponsors for the upcoming Trinidad T20 Festival.
The collaboration between the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Knight Riders Group of India aims to provide a platform for emerging cricket talent in the West Indies, fostering lucrative opportunities for aspiring players on the international stage.
The announcement was described as “historic” and “momentous” by Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath during a media briefing at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain on Wednesday. The collaboration was praised for its potential to develop and sustain Caribbean cricket in the medium and long term.
The festival features the top clubs in Trinidad and Tobago and is usually the highlight of the domestic season.
Venky Mysore, CEO and MD of Knight Riders Group, expressed their commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricket stars, stating, “Our partnership is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a winning culture and sustaining the legacy of Caribbean cricket. Together, we pave the way for aspiring talents to follow in the footsteps of legends and carve their path to greatness.”
Bassarath, also Vice-President of Cricket West Indies, highlighted the significant impact of the sponsorship on the emergence of new cricket stars. He expressed optimism about the model created by the CPL and TKR, foreseeing a hugely successful cricket franchise that will contribute to the biggest and most entertaining T20 Festival.
CPL’s Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell was commended for embracing the Caribbean cricket product as a major stakeholder. Russell expressed confidence that the partnership would provide opportunities for emerging cricketers to emulate the success of renowned players like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Lendl Simmons, Akeal Hosein, and others.
“Performances in the TKR/CPL Trinidad T20 Festival will answer the crucial question of where the next generation of talent will come from,” remarked Russell, assuring that the CPL, known for the “Greatest Party in Sport,” would continue to work in Caribbean territories to foster a winning culture.
Bassarath acknowledged Russell’s contribution, citing an excellent relationship forged between the CPL and the CWI since Russell’s appointment as the CPL Chief Executive.
The collaboration between the CPL, TKR, and the Trinidad T20 Festival is expected to elevate cricketing prospects and entertainment on the regional and international stage.
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