Cricket gear, iPads for national cricketers

The iPads are intended to assist players in their personal and sport development. Its main objective is to give each player an opportunity to look over and critique themselves at the end of the day’s play. The iPads are a major technological move made by the Ministry of Sport to ensure consistent and future development of the local players.

Also in attendance at the press conference were coach Kelvin Williams, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) representative Don Asgarali and permanent secretary of the SPORTT Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Ashwin Creed.

Minister of Sport Anil Roberts said despite the absence of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard he believes players will step up.

“Some people are saying that we are a weaker team because we don’t have the said players on the team. As a coach I know how to deal with these situations. In these situations we will do the right thing and come together as a team. We are prepared and will be going in to this tournament with the correct attitude. The cricketers will now have to focus and concentrate more on themselves. We have to take it with the right attitude,” stated Roberts.

He made mention of the 2009 semi-final match against Barbados in the Stanford Twenty20 competition, which Trinidad and Tobago fought back and eventually won. The Sport Minister said the confidence shown by the squad at that time was the same required in this year’s tournament, notwithstanding the situation.

“T20 cricket is not one where you can have a bad spell and come back. You cannot even have a bad ball. You cannot lose concentration for one minute and we will not give up. We will take it one step at a time. Yes, we want to win the whole thing but that time will come. You must focus on your first opponent and then move on,” explained a fired-up Roberts.

He urged the players not to get too over-confident on the field of play. He again brought back hurtful memories of when the local team went down to Afghanistan, in Canada, earlier this year. Roberts reiterated to the players and officials that “over-confidence is one sure way to lose”.

In Ganga’s contribution, he acknowledged the Government, TTCB and sponsors, Optometrists Today and Sportworld and slammed critics for thinking that the local squad may not be a keen contender for the coveted T20 title.

“This team is a team that plays together. They really know what it’s like to work hard and win. Our track record for the last 10 years or so has been uncomparable with other territorial teams.

“This is testimony to the sacrifices from not only the players have made, but the technical committee, coaches and everyone involved in local cricket.

“As we embark on our challenge for winning this tournament, I know some of you may think will not see that passion. You are wrong. We will represent Trinidad and Tobago in the best possible way.”