TTCB urging fans to travel to India

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) is urging the public to support the national team when they compete at the Champions League Twenty20 tournament which bowls off on October 8 in India.

Fans are being asked to make the journey to India on package tours organised by the TTCB.

The organised tour package departs on October 9 on a Caribbean Airlines flight to New York. This will be followed by Air India flights to Delhi then to Bagalore and Hyderbad before returning to Delhi.

The package includes hotel accommodation inclusive of breakfast, match tickets and an optional tour operator.

Total cost given by the TTCB in its press release yesterday is $34,000 which cites the cost out of Trinidad and Tobago being $18,000 and of New York at $16,000.

Financing will be made available to all interested persons. Further information can be obtained by calling Allyson Ali at 637-1577 or 636-4745.

Trinidad and Tobago have been pooled in Group A with Indian Premier League champions Deccan Chargers and English Twenty20 champions Somerset County. The national team will open its campaign against Somerset County on October 12 in Bangalore before taking on Deccan Chargers two days later in Hyderabad.

Top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.

T&T Newsday

Local cricketers of the year 2009

Tile Depot Central Sports captain, Gary Mathurin was named ‘Cricketer of the Year’ at the Eastern Credit Union prize giving and awards ceremony held on Sunday night at the Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya Complex in St Joseph.

Mathurin played a pivotal role in Tile Depot Central Sports first season in the Eastern Credit Union Premier Division scoring 436 runs with a healthy average of 48.15 and top score of 133 runs. He also made significant contributions with the ball taking 29 wickets at a miserly average of 17.56 as Tile Depot Central Sports finished fourth in the league standings.

Attending the awards ceremony were president of Eastern Credit Union, Ronald Bobb, Chief Executive Officer, Derek Guera, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Deryck Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Forbes Persaud, treasurer, Richard Williams, feature speaker, Justice Prakash Moosai and the national cricket team and top club manager and cricket administrator Patrick Rampersad.

Mathurin won the top award ahead of PowerGen opening batsman, Nicholas Sookdeosingh, teammate Mahendra Nagamootoo who finished with the most wickets in the league and First Citizens Clarke Road duo of Sean Siloch and Mukesh Persad.

First Citizens Clarke Road batsman, Denesh Ramdhary was named the reserve team ‘Cricketer of the Year’. He scored 248 runs, the most in the reserve league for the 2009 season.

President of Eastern Credit Union, Ronald Bobb congratulated all teams that competed in the National League and the players who excelled throughout the season. He also paid special tribute to the national team ahead of its important series at the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India next month.

Justice Prakash Moosai in his feature address urged the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to bring a speedy end to the dispute with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) since regional cricket is suffering as a result.

“The two main problems I have gathered surrounds the intellectual property of the West Indies players and the 2009 India tour of the West Indies and whether this tour was in our outside the Future Tours Programme” said Moosai.

He added that the decision of the WICB to select a team for the Champions Trophy currently being played in South Africa without the best players in the region has added to the problem.

Moosai noted that the current situation of cricket is problematic and the WICB must battle against ‘freelance cricketers’.

“The WICB must take a cautionary stance and must be careful especially with the emergence of Twenty20 cricket and the Indian Premier League. Players do not follow in the footsteps of the older generation and we must protects against ‘freelance cricketers’ which has happened with Andrew Flintoff” said Moosai.

The former national cricketer explained that it is only natural for a player to gravitate to the best conditions and the WICB must find a solution quciklly before they are faced with the ‘Flintoff dilemma’.

Awards:

Player of the Round

Lincoln Roberts 105 - Ceramic Merry Boys vs Munroe Road

Mahendra Nagamootoo 9/54 & 7/32 - Tile Depot Central Sports vs Moosai Sports

Nicholas Sookdeosingh 115 - PowerGen vs Clico Preysal

Mahendra Nagamootoo 5/95 & 7/32 - Tile Depot Central Sports vs Queen’s Park

Shamar Brooks 175 - W Connection Wanderers vs Clico Preysal

Jason Mohammed 144 - PowerGen vs Moosai Sports

Sean Siloch 155 - First Citizens Clarke Road vs Alescon Comets

Imran Khan 6/54 & 5/71 - Alescon Comets vs W Connection Wanderers

Alcindo Holder 117 - Ceramic Merry Boys vs W Connection Wanderers


Premier League Reserve XI

Most Wickets - Zard Clarke 26 (W Connection Wanderers)

Most Runs - Denesh Ramdharry 248 (First Citizens Clarke Road)


Centuries Scored

Keshava Ramphal 105 - Clico Preysal vs Tile Depot Central Sports

Raul Aimey 102 not out - PowerGen vs Munroe Road

Vaaroon Samaroo 150 not out - PowerGen vs Munroe Road

Issac Nicholas 139 - Clico Preysal vs First Citizens Clarke Road

Khemraj Mehawlal 127 - PowerGen vs Clico Preysal

Kareem Jumadeen 108 - W Connection Wanderers vs Moosai Sports

Narine Bidhesi 102 not out - W Connection Wanderers vs Clico Preysal

Akeil Cooper 122 not out - PowerGen vs Moosai Sports

Farrell Jugmohan 100 not out - PoweGen vs W Connection Wanderers

Mark Deyal 106 - W Connection Wanderers vs PowerGen

Videsh Maraj 160 not out - Clico Preysal vs Queen’s Park

Kwasi Alfred - Queen’s Park vs Clico Preysal


Cricketers of the Year

Varoon Samaroo (PowerGen)

Farrell Jugmohan (PowerGen)

Denesh Ramdhary (First Citizens Clarke Road)

Zard Clarke (W Connection Wanderers)

Kareem Jumadeen (W Connection Wanderers)


Cricketer of the Year

Denesh Ramdhary (First Citizens Clarke Road)


Premier Division

Most Wickets - Mahendra Nagamootoo 50 (Tile Depot Central Sports)

Most Runs - Nicholas Sookdeosingh 549 (PowerGen)


Ten wickets and more

Mahendra Nagamootoo 16/79 - Tile Depot Central Sports vs Moosai Sports

Amit Jaggernauth 10/51 - Queen’s Park vs Clico Preysal

Imran Khan 11/125 - Alescon Comets vs W Connection Wanderers


Centuries Scored

Nicholas Sookdeosingh 121 not out - PowerGen vs Munroe Road

Rondell Ramlochan 122 - PowerGen vs Munroe Road

Nicholas Sookdeosingh 105 - PowerGen vs Clico Preysal

Gary Mathurin 113 - Tile Depot Central Sports vs Moosai Sports

Deon Bennette 100 not out - Tile Depot Central Sports vs W Connection Wanderers

Dwayne Bravo 101 - Queen’s Park vs W Connection Wanderers

Gregory mahabir 109 - First Citizens Clarke Road vs Moosai Sports

Shamar Brooks 175 - W Connection Wanderers vs Clico Preysal

Yannick Ottley 103 not out - Clico Preysal vs W Connection Wanderers

Sherwin Ganga 112 - PowerGen vs Ceramic Merry Boys

Jason Mohammed 144 - PowerGen vs Moosai Sports

Sean Siloch 155 - First Citizens Clarke Road vs Alescon Comets

Mahadeo Moonesar 126 - First Citizens Clarke Road vs Alescon Comets

Marlon Barclay 103 - Queen’s Park vs Clico Preysal

Lincoln Roberts 105 - Ceramic Merry Boys vs Munroe Road

Aaron Alfred 115 - Clico Preysal vs Ceramic Merry Boys

Darren Bravo 132 - Queen’s Park vs Moosai Sports

Homchan Pooran 120 - First Citizens Clarke Road vs Tile Depot Central Sports

Suruj Ragoonath 100 not out - Alescon Comets vs Moosai Sports

Alcindo Holder 117 - Ceramic Merry Boys vs W Connection Wanderers


Cricketers of the Year

Nicholas Sookdeosingh (PowerGen)

Mahendra Nagamootoo (Tile Depot Central Sports)

Sean Siloch (First Citizens Clarke Road)

Gary Mathurin (Tile Depot Central Sports)

Mukesh Persad (First Citizens Clarke Road)


Cricketer of the Year

Gary Mathurin (Tile Depot central Sports)


North and South Championship

Cricketers of the Year Reserve Team

Stephen Wharwood (Curepe Sports)

Alvin Ramlogan (Evergreen Sports)

Joseph Mitchel (Evergreen Sports)

Neil Ramsawak (Curepe Sports)

Reynold Rampersad (Evergreen Sports)


Cricketer of the Year Reserve Team

Alvin Ramlogan (Eevergreen Sports)


Cricketers of the Year

Krishna Arjune (Bamoo Sports)

David Sultan (Evergreen Sports)

Ernil Ryan (Defence Force)

Mark Montfort (Spoilers)

Deepak Kumar (Aranguez Sports)


Cricketers of the Year

Mark Montfort ( Spoilers)

T&T Newsday

Badree stars for PowerGen on New York cricket tour

TRINIDAD and Tobago allrounder Samuel Badree was the star of the show for PowerGen Cricket Club on their recent tour of New York, USA.

PowerGen Cricket Club the national Premier League champions visited New York recently to play three matches and was successful in winning all three.

In the first match, the right-handed Badree struck a masterful 123 in taking his team’s score to 344/9 off 35 overs against Nassau League. Also among the runs was Varoun Samaroo with 77 and Gibran Mohammed 38. Nassau League in reply was restricted to 153 all out with Badree taking 2/23.

PowerGen also won their other two matches against Cosmos Cricket Club and Trini Boys.

Scores:

At Floyd Bennet Field: PowerGen 344/9 (35)(Samuel Badree 123, Varoun Samaroo 77, Gibran Mohammed 38) vs Nassau League 153 all out (Samuel Badree 2/23) — PowerGen won by 191 runs.

At Floyd Bennet Field: PowerGen 144 all out (Gibran Mohammed 70, Samuel Badree 20) vs Cosmos CC 139 all out (Ahmed Proverbs 23, Varoun Samaroo 3/15) — PowerGen won by 5 runs.

At Daisley Park: PowerGen 181 all out (Samuel Badree 61, Varoun Samaroo 28, Ryan Hurley 23) vs Trini Boys 156 — PowerGen won by 25 runs.

T&T Newsday

TCL concrete pitch for Biche cricketers

TCL GROUP in conjunction with member company Readymix Limited will present the community of Biche with their completed concrete pitch as part of the “Concrete Cricket Pitches Promotion”.

The official handing over will take place at the Biche Recreation Ground on Tuesday at 2 pm.

There were over 145 entries from various communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago with 14 locations selected randomly.

Biche will be the first community to receive its concrete pitch after submitting the necessary documents and gaining approvals.

The “Concrete Pitches Promotion” took place in 2008 and is an initiative to develop cricket in the communities while promoting the sport to future generations.

Also it is aimed at encouraging youths to occupy themselves in a constructive way as well as to promote cricket to the social fabric of the Caribbean.

T&T Newsday

Avinash Windball bowls off

THE second annual Avinash Narine Windball Competition bowls off on Saturday at Farm Road, St Joseph.

Top windball teams throughout Trinidad and Tobago are expected to compete at the tournament. The winners of the tournament will receive $7,000 with the runners-up collecting $3,000. Third place will receive $2,000 and the fourth place team $1,000.

T&T Newsday

Red Bull Quick Hit cricket bowls off with high scores

Red Bull Quick Hit bowled off in fine style under perfect conditions with the first qualifying event being held on Sunday at the Police Barracks in St James.

A total of 15 registered teams/pairs participated in this first round of the competition which despite being limited to the two-over rule proved to be a high scoring affair as the name would suggest.

In the end four teams were selected to move on to the finals of the Red Bull Quick Hit tournament which will be held on Sunday October 18 in Chaguanas.

The pair of Fariz Mohammed and Rischand Khan set the table early on for an exciting competition by posting 42 without loss from their allotted overs against J Dabreo and H Robert.

Mohammed continued to steer his team into the finals by posting the highest individual score of the day – 40 not out.

Not to be outdone, the pair of Deegan Barkley and Emmanuel James, were able to defend their modest total of 18 runs by bowling out their competitors for seven runs.

In the end, the pairs of Jesse Roland and Ronaldo Sammy, Rischand Khan and Fariz Mohammed, Kevon Rhamdhanie and Devin Wallace, Degan Barkley and Emmanuel James advanced to the finals.

Trinidad and Tobago and West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was on hand to lend his support to the event and commented on the high level of skill on display.

“It’s nice to see it got off to a good start. First of all we got good weather, that’s a plus and it’s nice to see people come out and be a part of it and the tournament looks exciting so far. I am sorry I couldn’t be a part of it. Sitting on the sideline I wish I could have been out there with a partner.” said Bravo.

Red Bull Quick Hit features two teams, two players and two overs with speed and accuracy being the focus of the game. The winning pair will receive a Red Bull Quick Hit trophy, a cash prize and two tickets to the finals of the ICC World Twenty/20 Championships held in Barbados in 2010.

The next qualifier will be held on Sunday at Skinner Park, San Fernando from 11 am. All teams/pairs interested in participating can register at the venue on the day, with registration closing at 1 pm.

For more information and pre registration call 620-9666, 771-5885 or 674-9191 (ext 541-544)

T&T Newsday

Cricket Board deny vote incentives

THE TRINDAD and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) yesterday strenuosly denied reports that they have offered clubs hefty financial incentives ahead of the National League elections today.

In a hastily organised press conference at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, TTCB officials responded to a newspaper report that club officials have been approached to vote for the incumbent executive headed by Deryck Murray.

Attending the press conference were Murray, Chief Executive Officer Forbes Persaud, treasurer Richard Williams, manager of the national team Colin Borde and executive members Leo Doodnath, Richard Ramkissoon and William Wallace.

Murray in answering his critics in the Movement for Change, main rivals in the October 31 elections, said the financial transactions of the TTCB were “accountable and transparent” with international accounting firm Pannell Kerr Forster providing accounting and advisory services.

“We are satisfied that our finances are compliant with accounting practices. There is a yearly audit and the figures will show that there is no inaccuracies in our spending,” said Murray.

The TTCB also refuted claims that the south zone election was unconstitutional and revealed that they would be going ahead with the Zonal elections.

Chairman of the South Zone Doodnath, who togeher with Persaud presided over the contentious elections, said he was confident that the results were legitimate despite the threat of legal action by the Movement For Change.

The Movement for Change, front-runners to take control of the TTCB staged a walkout at the south zone elections claiming that 10 clubs who were ineligible to vote were allowed to cast their ballot.

“There has been no action taken by the opposition thus far. As far as I am aware nothing has transpired and we are sitting safely on legal grounds. We are going ahead with the elections and they will be held on Wednesday” said Doodnath yesterday.

The TTCB stated that the finances of the TTCB was spend on its cricketers and various clubs and Zones and would be continuing their mandate.

“The TTCB yearly spends money on clubs for covers and there are payments given to all the Zones and affiliates. It is something that we have done and we will continue to do,” said CEO Persaud.

Treasurer Richard Williams gave his support to the financial credibility of the two audits the TTCB has done thus far.

“Everything seems clear and they do look good. We have initiated a computerised accounting system which at times has work against us. However, the system will improve next year. There are some queries at times but I will raise a red flag and try and get the proper documentation to sort the issue,” said Williams.

The current administration of the TTCB is seeking re-election with the Annual General Meeting being held on October 31. Movement For Change lead by Azim Bassarath has emerged as the main opposition for the Murray administration. Thus far the Movement for Change has gained steady support and have already won the north, north east, central and south west zones at the club representative elections.

T&T Newsday

TTCB accused of bribing clubs for votes

THE current administration of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has been accused of bribery.

Several national league clubs have made allegations that top ranking members of the TTCB have offered money to secure their vote in the national league elections tomorrow.

It has been alleged that clubs were being offered $60,000 with individual payments being $10,000.

These latest allegations add further controversy to the TTCB elections. Last week top clubs from the South Zone staged a walk out after 10 new clubs that were ineligible to vote were allowed to. This has resulted in the Movement for Change seeking legal action citing breaches in the TTCB constitution.

The Movement for Change has taken the TTCB elections by storm winning the North East, Central, South East and North Zones in the Club Representative elections while not contesting in the South West and East Zones.

As a result the “Friends of Cricket” slate has come under immense pressure to gain a result at the National League elections after it was reported that 19 clubs were in support of Movement for Change.

The Movement for Change has sough legal advice to address the scandal surrounding the South Zone elections. However, the recent allegations made by clubs who are about to vote in the National League elections about bribery may result in further investigations and legal action.

The TTCB has come under increase pressure regionally after boycotting the Annual General Meeting of the West Indies Cricket Board in Antigua and Barbuda recently.

Such actions almost eliminated the TTCB from submitting its directors on the WICB which would have left Trinidad and Tobago without representation.

The Movement for Change which is led by Azim Bassarath and also includes top regional cricket administrators has gained a high percentage of support after continuos problems under the present administration.

T&T Newsday

Ganga for Champions 20/20

Daren Ganga will be leading the national cricket team to the Champions League in India after Energy Minister Conrad Enill intervened on his behalf in the dispute with his employers Petrotrin over the allowance of time-off to represent the country.

Ganga had allegedly already utilised 37 working days in 2009 while on national duty, well above the one month per annum allowed by the state-owned company.

Despite being lenient with Ganga in the past, FIFA vice president Jack Warner blasted Petrotrin for restricting one of TT’s leading athletes from representing his country.

Since learning of the dispute, Warner has been campaigning for the former West Indies batsman, taking his argument to the media and the government.

A disappointed Ganga, wrote to the TT Cricket Board (TTCB), West Indies Players association (WIPA) and West Indies Cricket Board seeking support and redress but it was the intervention of Warner that counted.

Warner called Enill allegedly after an unsuccessful attempt to meet Minister of Sport Gary Hunt and he was assured that Ganga would be given the required time-off to compete.

Warner described the attempt by Petrotrin to hinder Ganga from competing in the inaugural competition as unpatriotic and praised Enill for resolving the situation.

Ganga will leave with the national team on Friday for Guyana to play two practice matches before leaving for India on October 4 to contest for US$2.5 million.

Warner has been calling for a sport policy for persons on national duty for quite some time and pointed out that Ganga’s feud with his employers could have been avoided if one was in place.

T&T Newsday

T&T cricketers for Guyana warmup

Trinidad and Tobago will leave for Guyana next Friday to play two warm-up matches, as they step up their preparation for next month’s Twenty20 Champions League in India.

TT will play a Guyana XI in two T20 matches at the National Stadium at Providence on Friday and Saturday night respectively.

National team manager Colin Borde said the trip would be an excellent opportunity for the unit to gel together, as well as have some vital match practice.

“The weather has not been good in Trinidad and we are lucky to get this opportunity to go across to Guyana and play some cricket,” Borde said.

“Strategically it is good for us because Guyana is just one hour away and we are getting the opportunity to play under lights at the Providence Stadium.” TT return home on Sunday and will spend another week topping off their preparation before heading to the tournament which starts October 4.

They are scheduled to face India Premier League champions Deccan Chargers and Somerset of England in the preliminary round.

(CMC)

Bassarath confident of cricket change

LEADER of the Movement of Change, Azim Bassarath is confident that his organisation will build on the success of the Zonal Club Representative Elections and will sweep the National League elections on Tuesday.

The Movement of Change which was launched last week and compromises several of the region’s top cricket administrators and legal minds have taken the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board elections by storm.

Thus far the Movement of Change has won the North East, North, Central and South East Zones at the Club Representative elections. The Movement of Change is pursuing legal action amidst the controversy in the South Zone.

Ten new clubs that did not compete in the South Zone competition were allowed to vote while Movement of Change did not contest in the East and South West Zones.

“We are on course and everything is moving with what we have planned. The clubs have spoken loud and clear and they have shown us their support. The clubs have realised that the current administration has nothing new to offer and they are regurgitating the same issues,” said Bassarath yesterday.

The Chairman of the South East Zone who has emerged as the front runner for the presidency of the TTCB stated that the Movement of Change will sweep the National League elections.

“The clubs which are the major stake holders in Trinidad and Tobago cricket have seen the light and they are not satisfied by the representation the current administration has given.

“They want to move forward and I am confident the National League clubs will follow the Zonal club and hopefully the current administration will step down after we have won,” said Bassarath.

The first vice president of the TTCB was critical of the manner in which the South Zone Club Representative elections were conducted.

“We would have won the South Zone if underhand tactics were not used. There was no proper protocol followed to have these ten new clubs entered into the election. The other Zones have moved in a smooth manner and it is quite unfortunate to see such breaches in the electoral process,” said Bassarath.

Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary of the TTCB, Forbes Persaud supervised the South Zone elections which saw a mass walk out of clubs in protest of the new clubs being allowed to vote.

“There is a massive loss in confidence in the TTCB especially after what happened in the South Zone. For a top official to witness such things tells you a bit about the manner in which cricket is being governed in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Bassarath.

T&T Newsday

Cane Farm continue to progress in local cricket

CANE Farm Sport Club, founded in 1960, is now in the 50th year of existence. We had set our goal to get to national cricket all through our existence.

In the past we have played through the Raja League, Trincity Minor League, Former East Zone, Northeast Zone and now the newly reconstituted East Zone.

Two years ago we were invited to join the East Zone and competed at Division Two. We won that Division in the 2008 season with 128 points, and was promoted to Division One, going as the underdogs against teams of the likes of Fulham Sports, EYM Sports, Agents Sports, Squadron Sports, Prisons Sports and Las Lomas Sports, all of whom were former Super-League and National No 2 teams.

Lo and behold we have gone through the 2009 season without losing a match of which there was 11 teams in Division One. We are now at 172 points and have won the Division One League and will be promoted to the North Championship for 2010 season.

Our team CFSC with players such as Under-15 national player, Anthony Simmons (Lendl Simmons’ nephew) and East Zone Under-19 players Mark Sankar and Terrance Hinds and the experience from Stephen Battoo as captain, alongside Sheldon Balroop and East Zone Seniors Captain Damian Peters.

We have achieved our national goal to compete at this higher level of cricket in the country. Cane Farm is where Master Lendl Simmons our West Indies player was born and bred. At age 11 out of primary school, he was taken under the wings of CFSC to play Reserve League cricket in Division One North East Zone, where he went to play at Sec School, Moosai Sports, Clico Preysal, and eventually at Merry Boys where he is still a member.

He continues to be around our team to advise and help the younger player where he can in the game of cricket.

We at CFSC will be happy to have a co-operate sponsor to assist us to campaign at this high level of cricket, to ensure that we can continue our campaign to move on to the next level, the highest level of cricket in the country “The Premier Division”.

We look forward to holding discussions with any NGOs who may be interested in our achievements within the last 50 years.

The CFSC home ground is on Crown Street, Tacarigua where we have floodlights and an eight-foot walk-past on our grounds. This playing field is one of the largest single cricket fields in the East Zone.

For further information please contact the club secretary who has been in that position for at least 20 years and president for five years with a vast knowledge of the club’s history, Kazim Mohammed at 654-6637.

T&T Newsday

Players advance in Triumph windball

PLAYERS advanced in the Triumph Sports Club Andy Wheel Windball Tournament after knocking out Trouble Makers at Garden Village, Arouca, recently.

Good batting gave Players the platform to register a commanding 46- run victory. Issac Nandlal (31) and Mukesh Latchman (27) batting aggressively enabled Players to close on 99 for five. Trouble Makers in its reply saw most of their batsmen struggle. Mickel Mohammed was the sole batsman to show any resistance scoring 18 runs. Rishi Paheman took two for six as trouble makers struggle to 53 for seven.

Summarised Scores:

PLAYERS 99/5 - Issac Nandlal 31, Mukesh Latchman 27, Toy Ragbir 2/8 vs TROUBLE MAKERS 53/7 - Mickel Mohammed 18, Rishi Paheman 2/6

FULHAM 30/1 - Wayne Pamphille 24 vs RISING STARS SLAMMERS 27 - Ryan Ramastray 2/5

FIVE RIVERS UNITED 68 - Shane Hosein 28, Sadeeq Ali 12, Sarran Sookdeo 3/13 vs FEARLESS TALIBAN 63/5 - Anil Karim 28, Kevon Martinez 20, Ronald Sankar 1/9

HEAVY UNITED 52 - Sudarshan Hosein 18, Damien Hinds 16, Issac Cain 2/5 vs BON AIR BOYS 26 - Regan Hernandez 4, Kurt Alfred 2/8

AWESOME 58/4 - Saffaz Lalloo 18, Ravi Ramsaran 23, Keegan Partap 3/6 vs TAKE AND PAST 45 - Sean Naipaul 23, Ravi Ramsaran 2/7

FREE STYLE 74/5 - Issac Kennedy 18, Nicholas Gopaul 13, Shane De Silva 2/6 vs OLD BOYS CREW B 70 - Aaron Rampersad 15, Shane De Silva 12, Joey Jagroop 2/6

D’ RIVER LIME 72 - Vishal Pudhan 18, Peter Motilal 14, Rockey Ramsook 2/17 vs SMOKE DEM 16 - Salim Mohammed 5, Ricky Sankar 3/4

FULHAM 30/3 - Khadon De Leon 12, Rudy Laltoo 1/7 vs 007 29 - George Ramsumari 10, Stefan Campoo 2/3

BRIGADIER 98/6 - Sunil Narine 29, Deepak Kumar 19, Dave Baboolal 17, Narine Samaroo 2/6 vs BALL UNITED 52 - Avinash Deonarine 18, Vinod Mark 17, Adrian Ramcharitar 3/11, Hanuman Moonsammy 2/15

COUSINS 11/3 - Kenneth Baptiste 3/4, Satram Singh 3/6 vs PLAYERS 10

FREE STYLE 94/6 - Issac Kennedy 27, Jonathan Narine 25, Neil Harricharan 3/12 vs D’ RIVER LIME 49 - Peter Motilal 18, Juan Carlos Narine 2/4

BRIGADIER def 300 SPARTAN (Default)

T&T Newsday

Greenidge to coach T&TCB U23 Academy

Former Barbados and West Indies opening batsman, Gordon Greenidge will be one of the coaches at the T&T Cricket Board 2009 Cricket Academy.

This was revealed by programme director William Wallace at the official launch of the second edition of the Under-23 academy which took place last Friday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. Greenidge will be supported by Clem Hercules, Debideen Mannick and Julian Fontaine. According to Wallace, the programme, which started on Friday, will continue over a ten-week-period on the weekends. He said at the end of the programme a team will be selected to tour South Africa in December.

Wallace said that this was one of many initiatives that the board would embark on in the near future. “The T&TCB in its continuing efforts to contribute in the process of producing the product, (the cricketer), continues to embark on programmes such as this one.
The U-23 Academy can be considered the top tier in a series of developmental programmes which starts with an age-group as low as six,” Wallace said. Wallace said that in 2008 the programme was a resounding success and he was expecting that in 2009 it would be even better. He said the programme was a residential one, with the selectees coming on Friday and leaving on Sunday.

“The T&TCB is mandated to oversee cricket in T&T at all levels and to contribute to realising the full potential of all players. To this end we cannot over emphasise the role of the board in contributing to the final product—the cricketer.
We see the need to design a programme to walk with a group of players to the next level,” Wallace said.
Among the programme components will be psychological, public image, health and wellness, physical fitness, cricket.

Trinidad Guardian

Kelly left waiting on selectors for answer

ALLROUNDER Richard Kelly is yet to receive a “proper” explanation why he was omitted from Trinidad and Tobago team to compete at the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in India next month.

“No reason has been given to me as yet. I have been attending training and the selectors are yet to tell me what exactly is the position,” said Kelly yesterday.

The experienced allrounder was surprisingly dumped from the national team for the lucrative India competition last week and complained that no satisfactory reason was given to him by the Trinidad and Tobago Selection Panel.

Kelly said he has been unsuccessful in his attempts to contact selectors Alec Burns and Claude Phillip after Chairman of Selectors, Narine Bideshi provided an “inadequate” answer.

“I saw Alec Burns at a practice match on Saturday and he did not make any attempt to talk to me. Earlier he said he would speak to me at training but when he came he did not make any attempt to address the issue,” said Kelly. The Ceramic MerryBoys allrounder described the experience as “frustrating” since the channel of communication between the players, selectors and administrators is non-existent.

“Right now I am unsure if I would get a proper answer from the selectors.

I am just waiting and nothing is happening.

There should be a proper formal system to address an issue like mine,” said Kelly.

He added that the matter is made even worse by the fact that he sees selectors at training but no-one is seeking to clarify the situation.

“Maybe in the mind of the selectors there is nothing to explain? In their minds I could be the one at fault? Who knows...but I will be patient,” said Kelly. In an attempt to secure a valid reason for his omission from the national team Kelly stated that he spoke with captain Daren Ganga.

“Daren said that the system used was a democratic process and he was outvoted by the selectors. The skipper said he wanted me in the team but the others did not want me and that I had his support,” said Kelly.

Despite his surprise omission from the national Twenty20 team, Kelly said he is shifting his focus to the 50-overs tournament and hopefully can improve on whatever flaw the selectors saw in his Twenty20 game.

“I am going to keep going and just now we will be selecting the 50-overs team. I will try and get selected for that team and go from there,” said Kelly.

Kern Ramlochan
T&T Express

Change sweeps Central Zone Cricket

THE MOVEMENT for Change strengthened their position in the build- up for Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) election of officers yesterday by comprehensively sweeping the Central Zone in the Club Representative Elections.

There was a massive show of support for the Movement for Change slate led by former Chairman of the National Selectors, Dudnath Ramkessoon winning all six positions.

Ramkessoon who was removed by the current administration of the TTCB led by Deryck Murray made a triumphant comeback defeating the “Friends of Cricket” slate led by Mishri Lutchmedial.

Ramkessoon obtained 32 votes while Lutchmedial could only muster 22 votes. Also winning for the Movement for Change slate were Lalman Kowlessar (41 votes), Larry Kowlessar (36 votes), Avinash Jaggernauth (28 votes), Rajendra Poorai (26 votes) and Anderson Ramdath (28 votes).

The victory for the Movement for Change in the Central Zone has put them further in front in the effort to remove the Murray Administration from office.

The group, led by Azim Bassarath and comprising several experienced cricket officials have already won the North East and South East Zones. Bassarath yesterday commended the officials who supervised the Central Zone elections.

“The elections in the Central Zone was conducted in a professional manner and it is a shame the South Zone elections could not have been done in the same way.

“What is worse about the South Zone elections was the fact that the Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary of the TTCB, Forbes Persaud was present when the system was undermined, “ said Bassarath.

There was a walk-out in the South Zone elections with five major clubs not casting votes when ten new clubs that did not participate in the Zonal competition were allowed to vote. The Movement for Change has met with its attorneys and will be seeking legal redress to have the matter resolved claiming a breach of the TTCB’s constitution.

“There were some breaches in the South Zone elections and this cannot be allowed. New clubs cannot come in without the proper procedures and it is disgusting to see the to levels which people are resorting to win an election,” said Bassarath.

He explained that Movement for Change will not be contesting elections in the East and South West Zones due to the good progress and development made in those districts.

“The East and South West Zones have done very good and its administration have been quite outstanding. The Movement for Change does not want to interfere but wants to effect positive change.

“We contested the Central Zone because that zone in particular needed positive change and due to the amount of problems in the that area,” said Bassarath.

Kern Ramlochan
T&T Newsday

Battle heats up for T&TCB

With two more zones to go, the battle for leadership of the T&T Cricket Board (T&TCB) between the incumbents led by former Test player, Deryck Murray, and the Movement for Change team, remains in high gear. So far both teams have taken control of three zones each, with Movement for Change claiming Central on Saturday night after chalking up North East 6-0 and South East 7-1 last week. The opposition took victory as four of the six members to serve on the zonal council for the 2009/2011 period have reportedly pledged support for the Movement for Change team.

These included former national selector Dudnath Ramkessoon, who secured 32 votes, Avinash Jaggernauth 28, Anderson Ramdath 28 and Rajendra Poorai 26. For the incumbents, Lalman Kowlessar had 41 votes and Larry Kowlessar 36. On Monday night, the current administration romped home to a 6-0 landslide as clubs in the East held zonal elections. Out of a possible total of 26 votes chairman of the zone Tarandath Sammy, Aslim Mandol and Sharaz Mohammed secured 24 votes while Sukesh Maniam, Kelvin Arneaud and Jewan Seeraj polled 23 each.

Trevor Alleyne and Wendell Eversley who were aiming to break into one of the Murray administration’s strong holds, failed in their bid, as they were only able to garner nine and seven votes respectively. Secretary of the East Zone, Maniam speaking on behalf of the six representatives, said he was not surprised at the result since he believed the current officers had performed extremely well over the last two years. He is confident the present incumbents will be endorsed to serve for another term at the zone’s AGM. “Since the zone was re-established, we have done extremely well and this year in particular, has been fantastic as we won every inter zonal youth competition organised by the board,” said Maniam. He added that his council was very grateful to the current administration led by Deryck Murray for making the decision to re-establish the East Zone.
Meanwhile the Tobago Cricket Association (TCA), which recently became a zone, has already held its election and has pledged support to Murray and his administration.

President of the TCA, Ignatius Trim, said the T&T Cricket Board has done an excellent job and this is manifested by the performances of the national teams over the last three to four years. “This current group is very stable and I think that they should be given a chance to continue the good work they have been doing. Tobago is fully behind the Deryck Murray administration.”
The elections for the last two zones, North and South West, are expected to take place shortly and Murray’s Friends of Cricket are favoured to take these two Zones.

Kevin Sunich
Trinidad Guardian

Greenidge to work at T&T cricket academy

OUTSTANDING FORMER West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge will be lending his experience to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) Cricket Academy which was launched on Friday.

This was revealed by programme director William Wallace at the official launch of the second edition of the Under-23 Academy at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

Greenidge, a former chairman of West Indies selectors, played 108 Tests and 128 One-Day Internationals for the regional side in an outstanding career spanning 17 years.

He will be supported by Clem Hercules, Debideen Mannick and Julian Fontaine in the academy which will run for a ten-week-period on weekends.

“The TTCB is mandated to oversee cricket in Trinidad and Tobago at all levels and to contribute to realising the full potential of all players,” Wallace explained.

“To this end we cannot over emphasise the role of the Board in contributing to the final product – the cricketer.

“We see the need to design a programme to walk with a group of players to the next level.”

Nineteen players have been invited to the academy and will be lectured on topics such as public image, health and wellness and physical fitness.

Promising all-rounder Yannic Cariah, one of the leading players in this year’s West Indies Under-19 tournament, has been named among the invitees.

He is currently a member of a 20-member West Indies training squad which is preparing for the ICC Youth World Cup in New next year.

CMC

Balmain cricket captain to appeal 49-year ban

FORMER captain of the Balmain United Cricket Club, Bobby Sookoo is appealing a ban of 49 years imposed on him by the club.

On July 17, Sookoo was issued documents informing him of the historic ban which must be a record in local club cricket. The reasons given for Sookoo’s ban were — promoting false allegations about the president of the club, tarnishing the club’s reputation; bringing the club into disrepute and verbally abusing players and members.

Secretary of the club, Brent Morgan said that Sookoo caused a controversy about a cheque the club received for finishing runners-up in a 40-over tournament.

“We received $3,000 and Sookoo was asking for $1,500 for himself with the club keeping the remainder,” said Morgan. He stated that the club needed the money to use for the forthcoming season due to the increase in costs to compete.

“Club registration is $600 and then registering a player is $25, increasing from $10. Then we have to buy gears, maintain covers and provide tea for matches,” said Morgan.

Balmain United have informed the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) about its decision to ban Sookoo. Morgan believes the ban given to the club’s former captain is “fair” taking into consideration the actions of the player.

“This player has been on the radar for the past two years and we have been observing his conduct and this eventually resulted in this face-off. We want him out of the club after the problems he has caused,” said Morgan.

However, Sookoo when contacted denied all the allegations made against him. He said that the club is trying to distract from the real issue of corruption.

“The Central Zone had its presentation function on July 12 and a top official collected the cheque due to us as runners-up on July 8. Why could he not wait until the function to collect the cheque? He tried to pocket the money for himself and when I raised the issue they called a meeting and banned me for 49 years,” said Sookoo.

He criticised the executive of the Central Zone for giving the cheque to the Balmain official before the function adding that they contributed to the problem.

He revealed that within the last year a top-ranking member of the club physically attacked the former treasurer and opening batsman in the club resulting in serious injuries.

However he said no disclipinary action was taken against the offending official.

“I never asked to keep any money. This was a team effort and the money should have been used on the team to have a lime to celebrate the achievement and show appreciation.

“They said that I cursed players and that is why I was banned. But if I cursed players why did they not ban me during the season? Why wait until the tournament was done to take this action?” queried Sookoo.

He noted that the decision of the club’s executive was unconstitutional since there were no elections to install the present administration.

“The official is a dictator and people were appointed by him. Brent Morgan is not even the secretary. He is the club treasurer but the official’s son is really the secretary. But he did not want the ban to look like a father/son decision so Morgan signed the letter. Our details in the bank has Morgan registered as the treasurer,” said Sookoo.

So far Sookoo has personally given copies of his appeal to president of the TTCB, Deryck Murray with a copy for Chief Executive Officer, Forbes Persaud.

“It has been 15 days now and there has been no reply. I have lost faith in the TTCB and will be seeking legal action and having the matter investigated. My name has been slandered and I will be taking the necessary action to correct that since I was not given any chance to defend myself,” said Sookoo.

The official at the centre of the current controversy was also in the spotlight last year accused of misappropriation of funds which resulted in an interim committee being put in place by the TTCB to run the affairs of the zone.

T&T Newsday

Murray: We remain open, transparent

The battle for control of the T&T Cricket Board (T&TCB) has taken a new turn, with the incumbent Deryck Murray led-administration responding to statements made by its opposing body “Movement for Change,” which is making a bid to replace the T&TCB at the upcoming AGM elections on October 31. At a media conference hosted yesterday at the President’s Box at the Queen’s Park Oval, Murray described claims by the body as mischievous and irresponsible.When Movement of Change launched its campaign on Wednesday, former executive member of the T&TCB, Baldath Mahabir, called on Murray to explain a number payments which he alleged were made to current members of his Board. Murray described the call as outrageous and disgraceful.

“Their claims are mischievous and wicked. The affairs by this executive are always open and transparent. The audited account is always in the full view of the public domain. The allegations are totally unfounded. They are being manipulated by other members of the executive who have access to privileged information of the board,” said Murray. Murray said that it was another successful year for the T&TCB, with several successful programmes. He said that among the future plans will be the launch of the 2009/2010 Cricket Academy which will take place today at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, from 2 pm, and an Umpires Certification Programme now taking place throughout the country. Murray said his executive is working assiduously to ensure that every match will be presided by official umpires and also it is an equal opportunity for the umpires to move on from zonal to regional and even international level. He stated that the T&TCB wants to ensure that the sport is played as recreation and pleasure.

Murray told the conference the work of the T&TCB will continue and will administrate cricket which is befitting to the game and to ensure more clubs and players take part. He commended the efforts of the two newly-restructured zone — East and South-West for having a successful season and to welcome the Tobago Cricket Association as a full-fledged zone. Concerning West Indies cricket, Murray said that there must be change from within. “What has to happen, West Indies cricket must change from within, the people in the organisation must recognise that we cannot continue to operate in a structure developed back in the 1920's in the colonial days, the board must evolve and change,” Murray said. He called on the cricketing public to support the T&T cricket team who will be taking part in the up-coming IPL Champions League in India in October.

Naz Yacoob
Trinidad Guardian

19 cricketers for T&TCB academy

T&T’s allrounder Yannic Cariah, who emerged as one of the leading players in this year’s TCL Group West Indies U-19 Challenge in Jamaica, is one of 19 cricketers selected for the T&T Cricket Board 2009 Cricket Academy. The official launch of the 2nd edition of the U-23 Academy took place yesterday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. Also selected are pint-sized leg-spinner Kissoondath Magram, captain Yannick Ottley and opening batsman, Nicholas Alexis. Cariah and Ottley were named among 20 players to prepare for the ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand in January/February 2010. Also named to participate in the programme is former T&T and West Indies U-15 captain, Stephen Katwaroo. According to Programme Director and Executive member of the local board, William Wallace, the programme will start this weekend and will continue over a 10-week-period on the weekends. He said at the end of the programme a team will be selected to tour South Africa in December.

Inductees:

Dane Teelucksingh, Franklyn Rouse, Javed Boodram, Akiel Cooper, Gareth Boodhai, Stephen Katwaroo, Ako George, Javon Charles, Zaid Clarke, Keegan Roy, Anthony Balgobin, Yannic Cariah, Yannick Ottley, Marlon Barclay, Vaaroon Samaroo, Nicholas Alexis, Kissoondath Magram, Kervon Christmas, Nicholas Sookdeosingh.

Naz Yacoob
Trinidad Guardian

T&TCB's Murray abdicated his responsibility

Movement for Change, the team hoping to replace the Deryck Murray-led Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), at the upcoming elections on October 31, yesterday lashed out at its opponent at a press conference at Hotel Normandie. One of the group’s speakers, former Minister of Sport, Manohar Ramsaran, accused the Murray-led administration of seeking membership to the International Cricket Council (ICC). “There is no place for the WICB in his plans. Rather than playing his role in the WICB and trying to help resolve the matters, he has abdicated his responsibility. Rather than close ranks with the WICB and speak to WIPA and other stakeholders to find a solution, he has decided to go alone,” said Ramsarran.

He also indicated that Murray’s refusal to attend the regional body’s annual general meeting, stemmed from his failure to get support from former West Indies fast bowler Joel “Big Bird” Garner, on a move to oust the Julian Hunte administration. “We are here to ensure that T&T is represented by a board that not only seeks the country’s interest but also to ensure the West Indies Cricket Board is here to stay and make us proud,” said the former sports minister. Murray was also accused of going against the constitution by giving membership to ten new clubs in the south zone and upgrading Tobago to a zone from a associate status. Ramsaran said such a move should never happen around election time since it may give the wrong impression.

West Indies director and TTCB’s executive member Dr. Allen Sammy, who is also part of the team seeking change, said once his group took office on November 1, there will be a number of changes which will benefit the clubs and players. “One of the areas to be targeted will be to expand insurance coverage to include every player, umpire, immediate player/support staff, curators and selected administrators for the entire season.” Also speaking was Baldath Mahabir who produced a number of documents in which payments were alleged to have been made to current members of the Board and called for an explanation. Asked to comment on what was said at the press conference, Murray explained his organisation was never looking to move away from the WICB. Regarding the AGM, he said all parties, including members of the Movement for Change, were aware of the reasons why he did not attend the meeting.

Murray said his administration has always looked to widen the scope of participation in the sport and hence the inclusion of new clubs and zone.
Movement for Change has not named its slate to contest the elections since the zonal elections have not been completed.

Kevin Sunich
Trinidad Guardian

T&T Squad For Champions League

An "eager" and "confident" full-strength Trinidad and Tobago cricket team was confirmed yesterday to represent the region in the US$6 million Champions League Twenty/20 2009 tournament scheduled to take place in India from October 8-23.

T&T qualified after winning the regional Stanford T/20 Tournament and followed up by winning the Stanford Super Series match against English champions Middlesex last year.

Those victories have given the national team confidence they can match up competitively against the other club champions from around the world and, according to T&T manager Colin Borde, the Champions League will be another "fantastic opportunity for the local players to test their skills".

Daren Ganga will lead the squad and West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will serve as his deputy for the series, which will see T&T go up against English 20/20 Cup runners-up Somerset on October 12 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, and then tackle defending Indian Premier League champions Deccan Chargers on October 14 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad.

The T&T selectors have opted for three pacers--West Indies quickie Ravi Rampaul, all-rounder Rayad Emrit and Tobago-born Navin Stewart.

Borde said the team is "enthusiastic, confident and eager" for the challenge.

"I think it's a balanced team and we have enough bowlers and we have the depth in batting. We also have a variety of spin bowling so what this particular team has is depth in all departments," the manager pointed out.

The batting in the T&T line-up in recent seasons has often gone right down to the tail, with Rampaul, Emrit and Stewart capable of aggressive strokes, while at the top there are current and former West Indies cricketers Ganga, Bravo, Lendl Simmons, William Perkins, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.

Borde also noted that the T&T team who defeated Middlesex and came close to beating England last year in Antigua did not have Dwayne Bravo, Pollard and Emrit in the ranks but still proved to be a force to be reckoned with.

The inclusion of such players, he said, will no doubt strengthen the team even further.

Spinner Dave Mohammed will also return to the national fold after a season of absence and he is expected to lead the spin-bowling attack which has been very effective in the shorter form of the game.

Sherwin Ganga, Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree are the other spinners at the skipper's disposal.

Amit Jaggernauth and Imran Khan, who were in the original 20-member training squad, were overlooked for the tour.

Opener Adrian Barath also earned his first call-up in the shorter version of the game and is expected to feature at the top of the order.

"The ability is definitely there and I think we have a good chance once we stay focussed and play to our potential," Borde added.

The T&T squad have been in intense training for the last two months and the final 15-member squad had an outdoor session yesterday at the National Cricket Centre in Couva and they will continue with their outdoor training today with another session at Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine from 1 p.m.

T&T Squad- Daren Ganga (Captain), Dwayne Bravo (Vice-Captain), Lendl Simmons, William Perkins, Kieron Pollard, Sherwin Ganga, Navin Stewart, Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Ravi Rampaul, Denesh Ramdin (Wicket-keeper), Sunil Narine, Adrian Barath, Rayad Emrit, Dave Mohammed

Colin Borde (Manager), Kelvin Williams (Coach), Ronald Rogers (Physio).

Roger Seepersad
Daily Express

Called To Account

Movement For Change challenge Murray regime

The group calling themselves the Movement for Change officially launched their campaign to the media yesterday, accusing the current Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) administration of lack of accountability and serving private interests.

And they contend that the incumbent, president Deryck Murray, also a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director, is compromised because of his role within the regional cricket body in assisting to solve the impasse between the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and WICB.

At the Hotel Normandie yesterday, members of this group, including WICB director and current TTCB official Dr Allen Sammy, former Minister of Sport Manohar Ramsaran, former TTCB member Baldath Mahabir, and current first vice-president Assim Basarath, presented their case for a changing of the guard.

There was also a message from Justice Anthony Lucky, absent because of international judicial commitments, read by Ramsaran.

After Basrath, chairman of the proceedings made an opening statement, accusing the current board of straying from the themes of change and accountability that they had campaigned for back in 2005 and the Friends of Cricket group led by Murray of sidelining dissident voices on the executive, Ramsaran made Lucky's feelings on the issues known.

Ramsaran communicated that Justice Lucky--the man who chaired the committee that investigated the WICB/Digicel sponsorship row back in 2005--thought Murray was ineffective in dealing with the issues facing the TTCB and WICB.

"What have they (Murray and his team) achieved by boycotting the last AGM (WICB)? As you know, at an AGM, several matters are discussed and appointments made. The end result is that a third rate side has been picked for the next tournament, the tournament has been devalued....Trinidad cricketers have been sidelined and the TTCB has been silent," Ramasaran said, reading from Lucky's prepared statement. "We have to face the truth: Deryck Murray is a member of the WICB."

Lucky's correspondence went on to state that the WICB had taken part in seven arbitrations against WIPA and lost all seven and the regional cricket organisation had opted to belittle high-ranking and eminent officials like himself, Justice Saunders, former Jamaica PM PJ Patterson and lately, the former Commonwealth secretary general Sir Shridath Ramphal when they were found lacking in a number of areas instead of accepting their recommendations and rulings.

"The WICB thinks it is always right but the evidence shows otherwise," said Lucky, adding that it is time for the current administration led by Murray to go.

At his turn at the mike, Mahabir detailed some financial questions that he suggested the Board needed to answer.

Based on the audited accounts of 2008 and under item three of the TTCB notes to the financial statements, was a Guardian Asset Management-Money Market Fund amount of $3,149, 733 dollars, he claimed.

"There are three questions that need to be answered," Mahabir said.

One: the investments approved by the board of the TTCB?

Two: Who placed the investment and were commissions received? And three: Were alternative investment quotations sought?," Mahabir asked rhetorically.

Mahabir also disputed the transparency of payments to four board members up to as much as $210,993 as well as catering expenses of just over one million dollars, together with salaries paid in cash to employees that amounted to an estimated $1.5 million.

Sammy then referred to a document that presented the Movement for Change's vision and pledge entitled: "A Blueprint for Excellence".

Sammy indicated the group planned to cut club registration in half across the National League and Zonal Leagues; work actively for a larger prize structure for all competitions; provide each club with $3,000 for annual presentation functions; establish a Club Development fund; expand insurance coverage to include players, umpires support staff and day-to-day administrators; expand the Players Welfare Fund; and host one to three major fund-raising events annually to supplement the expected decrease in government subsidies during the economic downturn.


Mark Pouchet
Daily Express

Jaggernauth, Kelly, Khan miss out

The national cricket selectors yesterday released the final 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions League in India and missing from the list were all rounders Richard Kelly and Imran Khan, as well as West Indies off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth. The team will be led by Daren Ganga, with West Indies all rounder Dwayne Bravo as his deputy. Khan has been surprisingly left out after a number of sterling performances during the 2009 regional cricket series. He was also one of the five Cricketers of the Year at the TTCB’s recent prize-giving function. The selectors had initially selected 20 players for training and subsequently cut five from that list. In addition to Khan, Kelly and Jaggernauth, hard-hitting batsmen Daron Cruickshank and Kevon Cooper also misses out.

Apart from Ganga and Dwayne Bravo, the batting is in the capable hands of West Indies players Lendl Simmons, Keiron Pollard and Darren Bravo, as well as the swashbuckling William Perkins and Adrian Barath. West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin will do duties behind the stumps. Leading the pack of all-rounders are Ravi Rampaul, Samuel Badree, Sherwin Ganga, Rayad Emrit and Dave Mohammed. Joining Rampaul and Emrit in the fast bowling attack will be Tobago-born pacer Navin Stewart. Queen’s Park spinner Sunil Narine also wins a call-up after his excellent performances in the WIPA Twenty20 series.

The full team is Daren Ganga (captain), Dwayne Bravo (vice-captain), Lendl Simmons, William Perkins, Keiron Pollard, Sherwin Ganga, Navin Stewart, Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Ravi Rampaul, Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine, Adrian Barath, Rayad Emrit and Dave Mohammed.

Vinode Mamchan
Trinidad Guardian

Borde: T&T has as good a chance as any

Manager of the T&T cricket team, Colin Borde believes that this country has as good a chance as any team to win the upcoming Champions League in India.

Borde said: “We have a very good chance to win matches and prove to the world that the standard of cricket in T&T is high. This is a tough tournament and there will be no easy games but I have confidence in our squad that they can go very far.” T&T has been pitted in Group A with Indian Professional League (IPL) champion Deccan Charges and English title holders Somerset. The locals begin their campaign on October 12 against Somerset at Bangalore and then meet Deccan Chargers on October 14 at Hyderabad.
T&T will leave on October 4 for India.

Borde added that they are hoping to have at least two trial games before trimming the final squad to 15 for the championships.
“The inclement weather has been a factor in our preparations thus far but we are hoping to round off our preparations with at least two trial matches. The guys have been working very hard and they have taken a very professional outlook to their preparations. We have been touching all aspects of the game in our training sessions and we are about to embark on some game sense scenarios.

“This is crucial to doing well in a tournament that would be very competitive and played at high intensity. Mind games will come into play a lot. We have had former and current players with experience of playing in India in front of massive crowds, meet with the guys to share their knowledge of the situation.” Borde said that looking at the composition of the T&T team, fans can rest assured that the team would do this country proud. “We have a number of experienced players like Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Daren Ganga and Rayad Emrit and they would play a vital role in leading the others.

“This T&T team has been doing very well in regional cricket and although the Champions League is a major step-up, they are talented enough to fit in and get the job done.” With two of the three teams from Group A progressing to the next round of the tournament, T&T will need to at least win one of its two games to stand a chance of moving on. Deccan Chargers will start as favourites to win the tournament, so T&T’s game against Somerset will take on added
importance.

Vinode Mamchan
Trinidad Guardian

Richards stays as head of East Zone umpires

Rawle Richards will continue to serve as chairman of the East Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association after they held their 2008/2009 AGM at Tacarigua Presbyterian School in August. Richards ran unopposed for the post.

East Zone

- Chairman-Rawle Richards

- Vice-chairman-Perry Galinda

- Secretary-Paul Clarke

- Assistant secretary-Cecil Toney

- Treasurer-Cassic Maharaj

Management Committee Members-Chrishendath Mootoo, Sylvestre Ruiz, Ronald Jagroop, Allan Guy

Representatives to TUC-Perry Galinda, Rawle Richards, Paul Clarke

Representatives to the East Zone-Mohan Pollucksingh and Kasse Maharaj

General Training and Examination-Harris Perreira,

Perry Galinda, Mohan Pollucksingh

Appointments Committee-Perry Galinda, Paul Clarke, Mohan Pollucksingh

Disciplinary Committee-Cecil Toney, Harris Perreira, Paul Clarke

Fund-raising-Mohan Pollucksingh, Paul Clarke,

Perry Galinda, Chrishendath Mootoo

Auditors-Indar Ramgoolam, Sumintra Burnley


Daily Express

Kowlessar heads Central umpires again

Veteran administrator Lalman Kowlessar was returned as head of the Central Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, at its annual general meeting held last Wednesday at Presentation College Auditorium in Chaguanas. It will be the tenth consecutive year that Kowlessar was elected as chairman of the Central umpires. An executive member of the T&T Cricket Board, Kowlessar was returned to office unopposed. Also retaining his position as secretary without any discomfort was Farouk Hosein. Three of this country’s leading regional umpires—Terrence Birbal, Peter Nero and Khemraj Barrasingha were named as committee members. Twenty-two members attended the meeting.

Officers elected for the 2009/2010 term:

Chairman—Lalman Kowlessar;
Vice-Chairman - Mozac Rahamut;
Secretary - Farouk Hosein;
Treasurer - Noy Francois.
Committee Members—Terrence Birbal, Tony Sanowar, Khemraj Barrasingha, Peter Nero.
Representatives to Central Zonal Council—Noy Francois & Shadrack Ramsahai.
Representatives to T&T Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council—Tony Sanowar, Edward Hunte, Khemraj Barransingha.
Appointments Committee—Farouk Hosein, Tony Sanowar, Khemraj Barrasingha.
Training Committee—Peter Nero, Lalman Kowlessar, Khemraj Barrasingha.

Premiership ‘club reps’ elections on September 22

Fifteen nominations have been received by the secretariat of the T&T Cricket Board, to elect six club representatives from the Premiership and Championship divisions on the local board. The secretariat has set September 22 for the elections which will be held at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. Among those receiving nominations are incumbents—Colin Borde, Richard Ramkissoon, Rajesh Raphalie and Sharaz Mohammed.

Notable absentee from the list of nominees is well-known sports administrator and attorney at law—Theodore Guerra. n Nominations—Richard Ramkissoon, Colin Borde, Rajesh Ramphalie, Sharaz Mohammed, Nigel Seetahal, Stephen Ramkissoon, Lester Lall.

Other nominees include—Anil Kamal, Sonnilal Sookoo, Patrick Rampersad, Dr Allen Sammy, Kazim Mohammed, Mahabir Ragoonanan, Balraj Ragoo and Suruj Ragoonath.

Explorers start preparation on Saturday in Grande

Explorers Sports and Cultural Organisation of Sangre Grande will begin preparation for the 2010 cricket season on Saturday at North-Eastern College, starting at 4 pm. Explorers will be participating in the Northern Championship Division of the T&T Cricket Board competitions, having gained promotion this season. All members and prospective players are asked to attend this session, which will be followed by a meeting to discuss plans for 2010. Explorers is in its 35th year of existence and will be representing Sangre Grande and Environs in the Championship Division and will also be fielding a team in the North-East Zone.

Naz Yacoob
Trinidad Guardian

Ganga shines for Caricom Superstars

GEORGETOWN—Caricom Superstars beat the President’s XI by five wickets in the first of the two President’s Premier League Twenty20 matches on Friday evening at the Guyana National Stadium.
Their victory was orchestrated by a composed, unbeaten 39 from former West Indies opening batsman Daren Ganga and West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who snared four wickets. The Ramnaresh Sarwan-led President’s XI side mustered a paltry 95 for nine after winning the toss and taking first knock and in reply, the CARICOM Superstars finished on 96 for five off 16 overs.

Ganga arrived at the crease when his team precariously placed at 22 for four in the seventh over and proceeded to stroke three fours and a solitary six from his 39-ball knock. He featured in a cautious 29-run, fifth-wicket stand with Pollard who chipped in with 15. West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (4), Lendl Simmons (4), Xavier Marshall (3), and Darren Bravo (0) fell in quick succession to give the President’s XI a sense of hope until Ganga’s arrival. Fast bowler Esuan Crandon, who instigated the early breakthroughs, finished with three for 10 from his allotted four overs.

Earlier, the President’s XI began their innings shakily as Chris Barnwell and his opening companion Sewnarine Chattergoon struggled to get the ball away against West Indies fast bowlers Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul. Chattergoon (3), who never suggested permanence, was LBW to skipper Dwayne Bravo while Barnwell went for eight. Assad Fudadin top scored with 40 from 45 balls with four fours and a six, to help give the innings some respectability.

Narsingh Deonarine was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 12 as skipper Sarwan, despite given a chance to bat again after he was run out on one, only added a mere one more run before he was comprehensively bowled by Rampaul. Pollard finished with four for 12 from his four overs while Rampaul ended with two for 15.

(CMC)

Umpires praise T&TCB

Approximately 100 people have been recruited to undergo a six-day training programme geared towards becoming qualified umpires. This was revealed at a briefing session held at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva, yesterday. This is an initiative of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), in conjunction with the T&T Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council, in an effort to provide more umpires to service local cricket competitions. Addressing the well-attended gathering, former West Indies cricketer and president of the TTCB Deryck Murray stated that he was extremely happy to see so many people showing a keen interest to making a contribution towards the development of the game via umpiring.

Forbes Persaud, chief executive officer, and general secretary of the TTCB, also commended the participants for coming forward to volunteer to be of service to the game and promised that the TTCB would continue to give support to the umpiring fraternity as it had done in the past. President of the TTCUSC Lalman Kowlessar was high in praise for the TTCB for coming forward once again to assist the umpiring body in their quest to take umpiring to another level. The programme will be conducted on the following days—Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19, Saturday 26, Sunday 27, September, culminating on Saturday October 3, from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm on each day.

Trinidad Guardian

Visa problems keep Willians from cricket camp

West Indies coach David Williams has been missing from the cricket camp in Barbados because he sent his passport to Jamaica to get a visa to travel to South Africa for the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy.
A source close to the situation said the immigration department in T&T is very upset with reports which suggested the West Indies coach had difficulties getting his passport. “That is not true, Williams got his passport in one day.” Derek Ali, legal consultant to the WICB, told a WICB news conference on Tuesday, Williams was encountering problems and blamed the T&T authorities for the delay.

Ali said: “In T&T at the moment, we are switching from the old passports to the new digital, machine-readable passports. The administrative bureaucracy in immigration is out of this world. They are taking anywhere from three to six months to get an appointment to secure the passport.” Ali disclosed that Williams visited the T&T Immigration Department for further assistance, but he was told there was a backlog of requests. However, the source dismissed Ali’s statement and noted Williams was already in possession of his passport. “As a matter of fact, David got his passport last Tuesday. His problem was with the West Indies Cricket Board’s which refused to pay for his trip to Jamaica to obtain a visa to travel to South Africa. He was told by the WICB to either fly to Jamaica and get his visa in one day or Fedex his passport and it would a few days.”

Williams was prepared to travel to Jamaica but according to the source, he was told he would have to pay for his airline ticket to Jamaica. “Williams told them this was unfair and he was not willing to spend his money since it was West Indies business he was going on.” Last Wednesday, he sent his passport via Fedex and he is still awaiting its return. “That is why he is not with the team in Barbados,” the source revealed. Training sessions have been conducted by local coaches Henderson Springer, a former West Indies assistant coach, Roddy Estwick, the former Barbados fast bowler, and Wendell Coppin, the West Indies Cricket Board’s development officer for Barbados.

Vinode Mamchan
Trinidad Guardian