Trinidad and Tobago’s U-17 cricket team gears up for 2023 CWI Rising Stars

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: A timely injection of substantial sponsorship will ensure that Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 team will be provided with all the tools they need to successfully compete in the 2023 CWI Rising Stars regional competition, according to Cricket360.

The financial shot in the arm came from the Trotters Group on Friday when a cheque for $42,000 was handed to the team at a presentation ceremony at the Gulf City branch of the restaurant/sports bar chain in La Romaine, as per the sources.

“We take immense pride and privilege in being able to sponsor our national youth cricketers and ensure growth and a return to greatness of both our local and regional cricket teams,” said Trotters Group director Matthew Sabga.

He said over the past few months, the senior West Indies team has been under scrutiny, and it was critical that the Under-17 team serves as an incubator to cultivate future stars.

Sabga said the support from Trotters Group will ensure the Under-17s have the resources needed to perform at the highest level of competition. And reach their performance goals both personally and as a team.

So it was without hesitation Sabga said that when he was approached by Peter Matthews, a noted West Indies cricket team supporter, and told of the team’s plight that at short notice, the group’s executive team rallied to the cause.

According to Cricket360, Sabga spoke of the great benefits of playing cricket and the life skills that it can impart, including leadership, critical and situational thinking, quick decision-making, the ability to build and grow partnerships in batting and bowling, teamwork and innovation.

“They are all things that come in handy, not just in sport, but will be of benefit in life as the cricketers continue to thrive and become citizens of our wonderful country,” said Sabga.

The Trotters director said the group’s involvement in sports is not new as it is an integral part of their business strategy from its inception, which has been centred around sport, not only from an entertainment perspective but of national development.

“So many thrilling and great memories for our country have derived from sports, and in particular cricket, and what it affords us as individuals, players, supporters and Trinis,” mentioned Sabga.

Also speaking at the function were Cleon Greene, Trotters Group General Manager; coach of the Under-17 team Reyad Emrit; manager Stephen Ramkissoon; and team captain Fareez Ali.

The post further informed that they all expressed their appreciation for the Trotters Group sponsorship and looked forward to fulfilling the confidence shown in them.

The Under-17 Rising Stars tournament bowled off on Saturday in Trinidad and Tobago, with the six territorial teams playing five rounds of the 50-over white ball matches from August 12-20.

This will be followed by three rounds of the two-day red ball matches from August 23-31, to be played at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva; Inshan Ali Park, Preysal; PowerGen Sports Ground in Syne Village, Penal; and Gilbert Park Cricket Ground in California.

A champion team will be crowned at the end of each format as WI Rising Stars Under-17, 50 Over Cup Champions, and WI Rising Stars Under-17 Two-Day Champions.