CPL22: T&T set to host eight matches

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago will host eight matches during this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), organisers have confirmed, and government has welcomed the move especially after relaxing COVID-19 protocols earlier this month allowing fans to return.

The twin-island republic staged the entire tournament in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic but hosted no matches last year as St Kitts and Nevis was selected as the sole venue for the region’s premier Twenty20 competition.

This year, however, fixtures have been scheduled for September 12-18 during the August 30 to September 30 campaign, with home franchise Trinbago Knight Riders featuring in four matches.

“Trinidad & Tobago has been a huge part of the success of Hero CPL and we are delighted to be back for 2022,” said CPL’s chief executive Pete Russell.

“The atmosphere at venues in Trinidad has always been fantastic and we know that the fans will be hugely excited to be back at the Biggest Party in Sport.”

Trinidad and Tobago has played a prominent role in the staging of the CPL since the tournament’s inception in 2013, hosting four group stage matches along with both semi-finals and the final that year.

The 2015 final was also staged in T&T, as were the 2017, 2018 and 2019 finals, along with the entire playoffs in the 2017 season.

Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe said the country was anxiously anticipating the arrival of the tournament, especially with fans now able to attend.

“The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is excited to partner with the Caribbean Premier League, and welcomes back the Biggest Party in Sport to the home of Carnival, as we host the 2022 edition of the Hero CPL,” Cudjoe said.

“This opportunity serves as an investment into positioning Trinidad & Tobago as a regional leader in sports tourism especially in this redefined sphere of sport events in the post pandemic era.

“Live spectators are an essential element of sport, so fans are welcomed to return to the stands in support of their teams and favourite players.

“In T&T we continue to champion safe practices while having fun as all COVID-19 protocols would be adhered to during the games.”

Four of the eight matches will be played at 10 a.m., with organisers aiming to attract families and local schools.

TKR, four-time champions, will feature the likes of West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard, along with mega stars Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran, both of whom were signed earlier this month