President of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath said that Scotiabank will be key in the revival of West Indies cricket because of the company's investment in the youths cricket in the region.
He made the comment during the launch of the Scotiabank Under-15 and 17 cricket tournaments on Wednesday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.
Scotiabank's $300,000 investment will cover the Interzone Under-15 and 17 series to be played in T&T. According to Bassarath: “I am confident that we can see the West Indies reclaim its ascendancy soon and our NextGen cricketers are crucial to that vision. This tournament will evolve into a standard-bearer for youth development with the ultimate goal being to nurture successful cricketers but to produce positive role models, leaders and citizens, who contribute to the development of the nation.”
This year’s Under-15 competition bowls off on January 22 at four locations throughout T&T. The main clash in the opening round will see defending champions Central, and runners-up South East, at the National Cricket Centre (NCC), Couva. The Under-13s begin their campaign in May.
Scotiabank’s vice-president of Retail Banking and Small Business Savon Persad, shared similar sentiments and is certain both tournaments will help these youngsters further refine their skills and expertise in their continuous pursuit of cricket development.
“We recognise the long-term social and economic prosperity in our communities depends on a well-rounded future generation. With the right support, children can unlock their full potential creating an enabling environment for success. And when young people in the community succeed, families, businesses and society as a whole benefit for years to come,” he stated.
Rajendra Mangalie, TTCB’s marketing and sponsorship committee chairman was pleased with the intervention of Scotiabank for embracing their proposal. Mangalie admitted his committee had been working assiduously aiding the local cricket fraternity deliver on its mandate to promote growth and development of the sport.
“I urge everyone to get on board and support our young cricketers as they develop into future stars. Many of our top players who have gone on to represent the region and build successful careers in cricket have all benefited from the age group set-up. It has proven to be an invaluable system where youngsters can move upwards through the ranks, as they progress,” said Mangalie.
Additionally, former 2019 national and West Indies (WI) Under-15 captain and Kiddy Cricket product, Andrew Rambaran, credited initiatives such as these as instrumental in generating future talents of the gentleman’s game.
“Youth programmes such as these, help pave the way to become a future national and WI player. To the cricketers participating in the NextGen Zonal Under-15 Tournament, make the best of your opportunities made available to you,” concluded the now Under-17 national representative."