Long gone are the days when cricket in South Trinidad is run out of people's car trunk or at a street corner. It is taking a professional outlook and creating employment.
One of the main architects of the changing face of cricket in the South is Dr Roodal Moonilal. He has taken up the task of having cricket leagues organised in such a manner that it helps socially.
He said, "I love the sport of cricket and I try to relate a lot of things in life to cricket. What got me interested in trying to spread the gospel of cricket was the fact that I saw it as a crucial tool in assisting with the fight against crime."
Dr Moonilal then partnered with a number of key people in the sport and also cricket promoters. One of the links he forged was one with Southern Sports. His assistance of this league has seen president Krishna Bedassie pushed the limits and now there are some 100 teams taking part in this tournament.
"The cricket is now giving people a livelihood. In addition to keeping our young ones meaningfully occupied and out of trouble, the added-on is that it is now employing people. You drive around the South and you see so many people playing cricket. You see vendors making a living at the cricket. This is what we want, we want organisation of the sport into a business."
Moonilal has helped many cricket clubs stay afloat by sponsoring gears and other essentials for them throughout the Southland.
"Cricket is not a cheap sport. Long gone are the days when you had two bats and two pairs of pads for the entire club. If we want to encourage the youths and keep them out of the streets, then we must be prepared to assist in keeping these clubs alive," he said.
"There must be renewed sponsorship and marketing strategies for clubs to survive. Through clubs, many athletes build discipline, structured thinking, and physical endurance. These qualities serve to lift our young men and women to be more focused and productive citizens.
"A massive investment in cricket is needed to assist youth development and inculcate discipline, confidence, and goal setting for many youths who may fall by the wayside lacking role models and guidance."