Captain Anisa Mohammed and her LCB Contractors Central Sharks will be back to defend their title at the third edition of the Courts Women’s T20 Grand Slam Franchise Tournament which will run from December 3-13.
Central Sharks and each of the other three franchises, last year's runners-up, Southern Titans, Trident Sports Phoenix and UDECOTT North Starblazers, will have a full complement of West Indies Stars including Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Britney Cooper, Hayley Matthews and Stacy-Ann King to name a few. This will be Taylor’s debut in the tournament.
Courts continue their support of the Tournament for a third consecutive year, while Cricket West Indies (CWI)will continue their support for the event ensuring that the top West Indies players are available.
Speaking on behalf of the T&T Women’s Cricket Association (TTWCA), past West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira shared her expectation for a bigger, better event, thanks to the support of various stakeholders.
"We are pleased to continue our partnership with Courts this year and welcome CWI’s increased support for the event. This tournament is the first and only women’s cricket franchise event in this region and our goal is to grow it into one of the biggest franchise events in the world," said Aguilleira who also thanked the other sponsors on board thus far.
Aguilleira promises an exciting, action-packed competition, noting that it was initially postponed to ensure that all WI players would be available. This she explained was to guarantee high-quality competition and entertainment. As a former West Indies captain, she also feels the tournament will be a good opportunity for WI players, as well as aspiring ones, to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
For Courts, their support is simply a continuation of its commitment to community and sport according to Nicole Loney-Mills, Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Officer, Unicomer.
"We are very proud of this tournament, we have seen it grow tremendously over the past two years and expect that it will continue on its upward trajectory," said Loney-Mills.
"Other countries are investing heavily in women’s cricket and leagues such as the Women’s Big Bash and Kia Super League have grown in stature. Both have contributed to the development of the Australian and England Women’s teams and we believe this tournament will play a significant role in developing the WI Women in the coming years. We are simply happy to do our part."
Matches will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, UWI SPEC in St Augustine and the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couyva. Tournament updates can be found @cwomensports on FB and Instagram as well as at www.caribbeanwomensports.com.
Teams
UDECOTT North Starblazers: Lee Ann Kirby (captain), Natasha McLean (regional), Afy Fletcher (regional), Jodian Morgan (regional), Erva Giddings (regional), Rachel Vincent, Reniece Boyce, Selene O’Neil, Amanda Samaroo, Allison Collins, Mikaela Jodhan, Janelle Ruiz, Alice Collins, Shania Kistow (U-19), Anand Bann (coach), Wayne Samuel (manager)
Southern Titans: Britney Cooper (captain), Deandra Dottin (regional), Stafanie Taylor (regional), Chedean Nation (regional), Shabika Gajnabi (regional), Shenelle Lord, Caneisha Isaac, Shania Abdool, Renelle Dookie, April Ramoutar, Anna Marie Pereira, Shalini Samaroo, Shunelle Sawh, Djenaba Joseph (U-19), Kelvin Williams (coach), Merissa Aguilleira (manager).
NB: Replacement during Stafanie Taylor’s absence: Qiana Joseph
Trident Sports Phoenix: Stacy Ann King (captain), Hayley Matthews (regional), Kycia Knight (regional), Kyshona Knight (regional), Aaliyah Alleyne (regional), Karishma Ramharack, Kamara Ragoobar, Rosalie Dolabaille, Tricia Marquiz, Steffie Soogrim, Nidia Andrews, Stacy Ann Bolah, Janelle Noel, Alysha Gomez (Under-19), Davindra Singh (coach). Manager (to be announced).
NB: replacement during Hayley Matthews absence: Sheneta Grimmond
LCB Contractors Central Sharks: Anisa Mohammed (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (regional), Chinelle Henry (regional), Shakera Selman (regional), Akaze Thompson (regional), Leandra Ramdeen, Felicia Walters, Samantha Bissoon, Reanna Farrow, Tamika Nanan-Ramsumair, Gaitri Seetahal, Talia Baksh, Kajol Dalgir, Jali Goordeen (U-19), Amin Forgenie (coach), Ian Telfer (manager)