CPL: Barrington hopes for ‘second coming’ in regional cricket

With the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft set for Wednesday (May 22) in London, regional and international cricketers will all be tuned in to see if they get a nod into the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’.

One player with a keen interest in the Draft is Guyanese batsman Shemroy Barrington.

Despite being out of the national set-up since 2011, the opener, who boasts an array of shots, has spent seasons in the United States of America plying his trade and most recently, in Trinidad and Tobago where he currently plays for BFL (Brasso, Flanagin Town and Los Attajos).

Noting that his season has been average, Barrington, now 31, strongly believes the experience gained can be of significant use to any franchise at this year’s CPL.

“I had a very good year in T20 cricket last year and this year, and a few players and managers told me that I should sign up. I have been playing cricket in the states, and in Trinidad and it is all about performing at the right time and CPL is the right stage to perform. It is unfortunate I have not played again for Guyana, but you can only control what you control,” he told News Room.

Noting that the Guyana Amazon Warriors would be the ideal destination, he admitted simply playing for any franchise would be a huge plus.

“I am confident to get picked up by any franchise, obviously I would like to play for my country, but it matters not who you play for, but rather just showcasing for that team. My father [Eric Barrington] who died always tried to push me to do my best to play at the highest level. This would be my way of repaying him and the first step to achieving that dream.”

In expressing thanks to fellow cricketers Rayad Emrit, Imran Khan and Lendl Simmons for their support, Barrington said he is steadfast on finding a way back into national set-up or a part of the regional franchise system.

“It is a quest to get back into the regional set-up; I have been there before and I want to go again.  Once I get the opportunity I will make use of it. I am experienced enough and I know what it takes to win games and win championships. It will be a tough road, but I am up to any challenge,” the Malteenoes Sports Club man expressed.

Barrington is one of 30 Guyanese signed up for the Draft. A record 536 players from 20 overseas countries and the West Indies are available to be picked by the six Hero CPL teams.

Prior to the Draft, each franchise had the option to retain and/or acquire a maximum of six players, although there is no obligation to do so.