CPL partners with St. Lucia Kings for T20 tournament in schools

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the St. Lucia Kings have partnered with the St. Lucian Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to create a new Under-19s schools T20 cricket tournament that will take place from June 26 to July 7, 2023.

The Under-19s Schools T20 X-plosion will see the best cricketing talent from across St. Lucia compete in T20 matches at the Gros Islet and La Ressource playing fields.

“The tournament will provide an invaluable opportunity for the young people of St. Lucia to play competitive cricket in a friendly yet professional environment,” CPL said in a press release.

“There will be eight teams, each one representing one of the educational districts across the country. The teams will be picked via draft from a list of players provided by PE teachers and coaches with each squad having 15 players. The eight teams will be split into two groups of four with the top two teams from each group reaching the knockout stages.”

To register for the draft young people will need to complete to online form here.

Kenson Casimir, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, said: “I am very happy as the Minister for Youth Development and Sports for St. Lucia that CPL has seen it fit to have a T20 cricket competition amongst our schools in St. Lucia. I am very elated that St. Lucia will be the first Caribbean island to host this competition. I think it will auger well for the development of the sport. The Ministry continues to provide support through coaching and equipment to our schools. So I am looking forward to a very exciting tournament right here in St. Lucia.”

Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, said: “We are delighted to partner with the St. Lucia Kings and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to put on this fantastic tournament. There is so much cricketing talent across the Caribbean and it is vital that all stakeholders play their part in developing these young players and in doing so create a lifelong love of our wonderful sport. We wish all the young cricketers taking part all the best.”

Satish Menon, CEO of the St. Lucia Kings, said: “It’s our privilege to partner with the CPL and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports for this tournament. We at the St. Lucia Kings are excited to provide a platform for the incredible cricket talent here. Hopefully, this will provide a springboard for the young cricketers to take it to the next level.” (Modified CPL Press Release)