The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) has extended congratulations to national senior team captain Rayad Emrit, opening batsman Evin Lewis and allrounder Kevon Cooper on their selection to teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).The trio has requested release from their retainer contracts with the TTCB which runs from August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016.
"Whilst the departure of these players is a blow to the Red Force team which begins its challenge for the West Indies Cricket Board's PCL title in a week's time, it creates opportunities for several promising young players to step up and make a name for themselves," said board CEO Suruj Ragoonath on Friday.
He said the local landscape is abundant with opportunities for talented cricketers and the selection of the top rated trio by the Bangladesh organisers, shows the excellent work the TTCB has been undertaking in its development programmes.
"Even with West Indies cricket in turmoil and the regional team's performances continuing to disappoint in Sri Lanka, our top local players are still able to command attention globally and their services are greatly in demand," the former national opening batsman said.Emrit, Lewis and Cooper will join opening batsman Lendl Simmons and mystery spinner Sunil Narine in Bangladesh as they have been previously drafted for the BPL's 2015-2016 season.
The latest additions to the BPL will depart for Bangladesh following the Red Force's second round PCL four-day encounter against Barbados at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown from November 13-16.
Emrit will lead the T&T team in the first two matches of the regional championship in which explosive batsman Lewis is expected to open the innings. However, Cooper, who has played in the BPL before was unavailable for T&T selection due to an injury.
According to Ragoonath the three players will be considered for selection upon their return from the BPL, if they make themselves available.