SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
TT RED Force teammates Darren Bravo and Imran Khan have been named opposing captains in the Classic Cricket North/South sponsored by Soca Kings.
The match, which will be used to select the Red Force squad for the upcoming Regional West Indies (CWI) Cricket Tournament, will be played from January 12 to 15 at the National Cricket Center (NCC) in Balmain, Couva.
At the official launch of the match at the NCC on Thursday, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath said the Soca Kings will contribute $100,000 to ensure the continuation of the rich legacy of the traditional match which once enjoyed the status first class.
In attendance were Soca Kings representative Dale Baboolal, Red Force coach David Furlonge, respective North and South Zone coaches Rayad Emrit and Debideen Manick, and other TTCB officials.
Bassarath said the teams were made up of the best players available who will compete for Red Force selection. Their performances should give an indication of how well the franchise will fare in the four-day regional competition.
On Thursday, Emrit and Manick spoke confidently about their team’s chances.
“North’s players are doing well in Test matches and captain Darren Bravo has a century under his belt, so his experience will be valuable. There are also young players eager to make their mark,” said Emrit, a former West Indies and Red Force alumnus.
He admitted that South captain Imran Khan has been taking wickets but expects his players to be able to keep TT’s leading batsman at bay.
Manick is quietly optimistic that the South team will lift the trophy in the end, classically saying that his team has a lot of experienced cricketers.
“I believe we have the competitive edge and besides we will be playing at home, so our confidence level will be very high,” said former Clico coach Preysal.
Both the coaches thanked the TTCB for their initiative in reviving the North/South Classic as it has been an important match in the history of local cricket.
Bassarath, who delivered the speech, said the Classic was the highlight of the local cricket scene in which every cricketer hoping to represent TT in regional competitions aspired to play.
“The rivalry that the classic fostered created great public awareness not only in the sports arena, and served as a source of great pride and excitement for the winners.
“Of particular importance to the cricketers in both teams was the opportunity to address the national selectors for the last time on the eve of the inter-territorial tour.
“The North/South Classic provided a window and platform to launch a cricketer’s career on the international stage as many went on to earn selection in the West Indies team,” Bassarath said.
After the match, the best available players will be selected from both teams and committed for four days, for a place in the Red Force team.
Bassarath hopes that the TTCB can once again elevate the annual match to its former lofty status and that the Classic regains the lost glory and honor of First Class status, thanks to the performance of the current cricketers.
He added, “We expect this year’s Clasico to throw some surprises and create a headache for the national selectors headed by Red Force coach David Furlonge.
“It will also give us a glimpse into the future of domestic cricket and the chances of TT finishing top of the table in this year’s regional tournament to be played at home.
TEAMS:
NORTH – Darren Bravo (captain), Jeremy Solozano, Keagan Simmons, Isaiah Rajah, Amir Jangoo, Yannic Cariah, Tion Webster, Terrance Hinds, Uthman Muhammad, Khary Pierre, Mikkel Govia, Joshua Da Silva, Vikash Mohan, Sion Hackett; Reyad Emrit (coach), Nissar Mohammed (assistant coach), Ishmieel Ali (manager).
SOUTH – Imran Khan (captain), Cephas Cooper, Kjorn Ottley, Navin Bidaisee, Kyle Kissondath, Jason Mohammed, Jyd Goolie, Bryan Charles, Justin Manick, Shaaron Lewis, Shannon Gabriel, Rajeev Ramnath, Shiva Sankar, Ryan; Debideen Manick (coach), Rydell Ramsaran (assistant coach), Stephen Ramkissoon (manager).
