TCL Group sponsors U-19s

Dr Rollin Bertrand, TCL’s chief executive signed the agreement with WICB president, Ken Gordon at the board’s offices at Carlos Street in Woodbrook.

The sponsorship will run from 2006 to 2008.

The TCL Group has been a dedicated sponsor of the region’s premier youth cricket tournament over the last three years, having undertaken the role of title sponsor since 2003.

The tournament, which attracts cricketing aspirants from the region, gives young players an opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience including the regional selectors.

Over the years, this tournament has provided West Indies cricket with a stream of players who have either made their mark or are on the verge of doing so on the world and regional scene.

Some of the most recent graduates have been Javon Searles, Martin Nurse, Xavier Marshall, Jason Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Leon Johnson.

“The TCL Group takes pride in the role it plays in developing the youth of our region,” remarked Dr Rollin Bertrand, chief executive officer of the TCL Group.

“Success relies heavily on a strong foundation and we are pleased to be associated at this level of the game, which is pivotal to the future of West Indies cricket.

“We are delighted to partner with the WICB to cement the place of our talented young cricketers in West Indies cricket and indeed on the world stage.”

During the signing ceremony, Gordon acknowledged the TCL Group’s significant contribution.

“We thank the TCL Group for its continued and invaluable support of a cornerstone of the future of West Indies cricket, our Under 19 tournament,” Gordon said.

“We believe that this support would provide the impetus for many young aspiring players to propel the West Indies once again to their rightful place at the top of international cricket.”

As in the past, this year’s tournament will be comprised of two competitions — a limited overs and a three-day ‘Test’ series. Carded for August, teams from across the Caribbean will match their skills in Barbados for a chance to win the coveted TCL Group West Indies Under 19 Limited Over and three-day Challenge trophies.

TT are double defending champions.

Five players have been retained on the TT side from last year’s tournament in St Vincent and the Grenadines, including West Indies youth off-spinner, Sunil Narine; batsmen Adrian Barath, Marlon Barclay, Darren Bravo and fast bowler, Jeewan Ramroop.

Pacer Keegan Roy, who played in the 2004 tournament in Jamaica, has also been included on the TT team.