Cricket

Andre Russell, the explosive West Indies all-rounder, has expressed his frustration and anger following a controversial incident during the eliminator match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Russell, who represents the Trinbago Knight Riders, took to social media to vent his disappointment after his team's loss to the Barbados Royals.The match was marred by a floodlight failure with five balls remaining in the Trinbago Knight Riders' innings. The team was in a strong position at 168/3 after 19.1 overs when the lights went out. After a lengthy delay, the Royals were given a revised target of 60 runs from 30 balls using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.Russell's outburst on Instagram was filled with expletives, expressing his belief that his team had been "robbed." He criticized the timing of the floodlight failure, the revised target, and the Royals' subsequent victory."I'm not the person to come on the internet and voice my opinion, but this year CPL I feel robbed," Russell wrote. "This light situation was ry, lights came on just before the cut-off time is also ry, and then 60 off 30 balls is also a bigger ry."Russell's frustration stems from the fact that the Royals were able to chase down the revised target thanks to an explosive knock from David Miller, who scored a 17-ball fifty. The Trinbago Knight Riders felt that the revised target was unfair, given the circumstances of the floodlight failure.Russell's outburst highlights the growing frustration among players over the increasing number of rain-affected matches in T20 cricket. The use of DLS can often lead to controversial outcomes, as teams may be given targets that are perceived to be unfair.In addition to his frustration over the CPL incident, Russell also expressed his belief that most Caribbean players are "just not interested in playing Tests." He attributed this to the rise of T20 franchise cricket around the world, which has made red-ball cricket less appealing to young players.Russell's comments echo the concerns of many cricket experts who believe that the future of Test cricket is under threat from the popularity of T20 cricket. The shorter format offers players more financial opportunities and less physical demands, making it a more attractive option for many.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have bolstered their squad for the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 by signing local offspinner Bryan Charles as a replacement for the injured Dwayne Bravo.Bravo, a veteran all-rounder, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday after suffering a groin injury during TKR's match against St. Lucia Kings. The injury occurred while Bravo attempted to catch Kings' captain Faf du Plessis.Charles, 29, is a promising offspinner who plays for Trinidad & Tobago in domestic cricket. While he has yet to make his T20 debut, he has impressed with his red-ball skills. Earlier this year, he earned a call-up to the West Indies Test side for the home series against South Africa.In the West Indies four-day championship, Charles emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Trinidad & Tobago, claiming 31 wickets in seven games at an impressive average of 17. His tally included a career-best match haul of 13 wickets against Jamaica in Kingston in April.Charles' signing could provide cover for Sunil Narine, who has missed TKR's last three games due to a quad complaint. In Narine's absence, Kieron Pollard has utilized Tim David as an offspinner with the new ball. However, with three left-handers in Barbados Royals' top six, Charles could be considered for selection if Narine remains unfit for the playoffs.Unfortunately, TKR's injury woes have extended to David, who appeared to injure his side and head while saving a six at the boundary in their last match. Pollard expressed concern over the team's mounting injuries, including Narine, Russell, and his own physical condition.Despite the setbacks, Pollard emphasized that TKR will continue to fight and rely on the support of their medical staff to keep players on the field.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), the perennial favorites in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), have faced a challenging season in CPL 2024. Despite injuries to key players like Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell, captain Kieron Pollard remains optimistic.TKR has won five of their eight matches, placing them fourth in the standings. Pollard acknowledges the team's performance and the importance of qualifying for the playoffs. He also highlights the increased competitiveness of the tournament, with all teams playing at a high level.Despite the challenges, TKR has unearthed new talents like 21-year-old Shaqkere Parris and 27-year-old Keacy Carty. Parris has impressed with his batting, earning praise from former India spinner R Ashwin. Pollard commends Parris' progress but emphasizes the need for young players to continue developing their skills.Pollard also expresses a desire for more local players from Trinidad to join the TKR squad. He believes that the under-23 tournament provides an opportunity for local talent to emerge. He hopes that players like Parris and Nathan Edward can inspire future generations of Trinidadian cricketers.

Andre Fletcher, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain, expressed his disappointment after his team's ninth consecutive defeat in the CPL 2024, this time at the hands of Trinbago Knight Riders in Tarouba. The Patriots' fielding woes continued to haunt them, as they dropped Pooran four times, allowing him to chase down a target of 194 with an unbeaten 93 off 43 balls.According to ESPNcricinfo's logs, the Patriots dropped a staggering 23 catches throughout the tournament, costing them several games. "The guys [bowlers] executed well, but dropping five catches in a crucial game, especially a world-class player like Pooran... we dropped 28 catches in the tournament," Fletcher lamented. "As a fielding team, it's poor, way below poor. It actually cost us a lot of games, which we lost."Despite the Patriots' dismal performance, Fletcher praised his teammates for their camaraderie and support. "Knowing that it was a bit hard and tough for us losing, but tried to keep the team together as much as possible," Fletcher said. "We had a lot of team-bonding activities. Yes, as much as we weren't showing it on the field, but sometimes when teams lose, you tend to have a lot of bickering in the team, but we never had that. We stuck together and we gelled as a team and it's just sad that the result didn't show. But I must say that we stick as a family."Fletcher also apologized to the St Kitts and Nevis fans for the team's poor performance. "Just want to apologize to the St Kitts and Nevis fans. I know you guys are hurt, so am I. Unfortunately we didn't get it well this year, hopefully, next year it will be better."On a personal note, Fletcher had a productive tournament with the bat, scoring 318 runs in ten innings at an average of 31.80 and strike rate of just under 150. Along the way, Fletcher became the highest run-getter in the history of the CPL, but Johnson Charles, whose team has made the playoffs, has a chance to surpass him."I'm very pleased, to be honest, [with my batting]," Fletcher said. "People tend to remember the last thing you do. I really wanted to come out here and show what I'm worth. I'm happy to put on a great total for the team but unfortunately we didn't get over the line. But that's how cricket goes at times."

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have received a significant boost with the return of Chris Jordan for the home leg of the CPL 2024, starting on September 18. The England international, who previously played for TKR in 2019, will replace injured USA fast bowler Ali Khan.Jordan's return is a welcome addition to TKR's bowling attack, having taken seven wickets in five matches during their 2019 campaign. His experience and skill will be crucial as TKR aims to improve upon their performance in the tournament.Meanwhile, defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors have suffered a setback with captain Imran Tahir ruled out for approximately ten days due to injury. Tahir, the oldest player in the CPL at 45, has been a key figure for Amazon Warriors, but his absence will be a significant blow.Shai Hope, who captained the team in Tahir's absence in their last match, will continue to lead the side. However, the team will also miss the services of all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who is recovering from a toe injury.To compensate for Tahir's absence, Amazon Warriors have signed Nathan Sowter, an Australia-born English wristspinner. Sowter has impressed in franchise cricket, winning back-to-back titles with Oval Invincibles under Tom Moody.Despite the setbacks, Amazon Warriors remain confident in their ability to perform well. Hope acknowledged the importance of Tahir's absence but emphasized the need for the team to step up and find ways to compensate for his loss.

CPL 2024: Hilarious Fielding Blunder Leaves Fans and Players in StitchesIn a moment that left fans and players alike in fits of laughter, an unexpected fielding goof-up occurred during the 13th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 between the Barbados Royals and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.During the Falcons' innings, Obed McCoy bowled the final delivery of the 16th over to Sam Billings. Billings mistimed a slower ball, sending it high into the air. As the ball hung up, fielders Rovman Powell and Rahkeem Cornwall converged from mid-off and cover, both eying the catch.However, instead of completing the simple chance, Powell and Cornwall collided lightly, and the ball slipped through, much to their dismay. The commentators couldn't help but chuckle as the replay revealed the gentle collision that caused the blunder.Powell and Cornwall looked at each other, slightly sheepish, while McCoy was left grinning, realizing yet another chance had gone begging. Billings, who had already made a significant contribution with 56 runs, capitalized on the missed opportunity to add one more to his tally before getting dismissed later.This goof-up became a focal point of amusement in an otherwise intense game. Barbados Royals eventually won the match by 10 runs (via the DLS method). However, it was the dropped catch that caught everyone's attention, turning what could have been a routine wicket into a comedic moment.The incident highlights the importance of communication and coordination in fielding. While both Powell and Cornwall were eager to make the catch, their lack of coordination resulted in a costly error. It also serves as a reminder that even in the most intense of matches, there is always room for a bit of humor.

Alzarri Joseph's Frustration Boils Over in Intense CPL ClashIn a thrilling Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 encounter between the Saint Lucia Kings and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, tempers flared as Alzarri Joseph's frustration reached boiling point.With Guyana closing in on victory, Joseph bowled to Shimron Hetmyer in the ninth over. Hetmyer backed away and punched the ball straight back to the bowler. In a moment of visible frustration, Joseph grabbed the ball and angrily hurled it down towards the batter's end, followed by a sharp stare at Hetmyer.The intensity of the moment was palpable as Guyana needed less than 10 runs to secure victory. However, Hetmyer had the perfect response. On the very next ball, he stepped back and unleashed a monstrous six over long-on, almost sealing the game in style for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.The powerful shot not only brought the chasing side to the brink of ending the match but also served as the perfect answer to Joseph's earlier outburst. In the very next over, the Warriors won by six wickets, chasing down Saint Lucia's modest total of 101 in just 10 overs. Hetmyer remained unbeaten with eight off three balls.The brief but fiery exchange highlighted the competitive spirit of the CPL and left fans talking about the intense clash between bowler and batter. Joseph's frustration was understandable, given the pressure he was under, but Hetmyer's response was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have bolstered their bowling attack for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by signing seamer Jeremiah Louis. Louis, 28, joins his younger brother Mikyle in the Patriots squad, marking the first time the brothers will play together in the CPL.Jeremiah Louis has played six CPL games between 2016 and 2022, taking three wickets at an average of 38.66 and an economy rate of 9.66. He has also represented Patriots in the 6IXTY competition, where he took four wickets in five games at an economy rate of 10.68 in 2022.Louis is better known for his red-ball skills, having taken 151 wickets in 57 first-class games at an average of 25.43. He was recently called into West Indies' Test squad for their tour of England before he was ruled out with injury.Mikyle Louis has emerged as a promising local batter in his maiden CPL stint, scoring 187 runs in five innings at an average of 37.40 and strike rate of 155.83. Only his Patriots seniors Evin Lewis (191) and Kyle Mayers (204) have scored more runs than Mikyle so far this season.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last month, Mikyle said Jeremiah is not just a brother but also a mentor and a good friend. "He influenced me in many ways," Mikyle said of Jeremiah. "While I was in my stagnant phase, he was playing for Leeward Islands or West Indies A or President's XI games. He would come back and have a conversation, saying, 'Yo, I bowled to this batsman in the nets. You are not far off, you continue working. Trust me, bro, based on skill you have time to grow.' Those conversations would give me hope and the self-belief that, okay, I'm good enough."Jeremiah's addition bolsters the local pace attack, which has been struggling through this season. Dominic Drakes, Odean, Smith, Ryan John, and Johann Layne have all conceded over 12 an over.Patriots are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with just a solitary win in seven games. They had also finished last in CPL 2023 and overall have managed just two wins across the past two seasons.