Cricket

Dwayne Bravo Announces Retirement from CPL After Ongoing SeasonDwayne Bravo, the legendary all-rounder and highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, has announced his retirement from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after the conclusion of the ongoing season. The 40-year-old made the announcement hours before Trinbago Knight Riders' opening game of CPL 2024 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in Basseterre."It's been a great journey and I'm looking forward to playing my final professional tournament in front of my Caribbean people," Bravo posted on Instagram. "TKR is the place where everything started for me and will end with my team."Bravo has been an integral part of the CPL since its inception in 2013, leading the Trinbago Knight Riders to four titles. He is also the tournament's all-time leading wicket-taker with 128 strikes in 103 games at an impressive average of 22.40 and an economical rate of 8.69.Beyond his CPL exploits, Bravo has enjoyed a remarkable career at the international level, representing the West Indies in 40 Tests, 164 ODIs, and 91 T20Is. He has taken over 500 wickets across all formats and is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time.Bravo's retirement from the CPL marks the end of an era for the tournament. His exceptional skills, leadership, and infectious enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on the competition. He will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic players in CPL history.

In a thrilling Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final, Barbados Royals emerged victorious over Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by four wickets, securing their second WCPL title.TKR, batting first, got off to a promising start with Deandra Dottin hitting a six in the opening over. However, Hayley Matthews' early wicket of Dottin set the tone for a challenging innings for TKR. Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed cheaply, and Jannillea Glasgow and Shikha Pandey's 43-run partnership was broken by Aaliyah Alleyne's double-wicket over.Alleyne's devastating spell continued, as she dismissed Chedean Nation and Zaida James in quick succession, leaving TKR reeling at 73 for 6. Alleyne's four-wicket haul, with three of her victims bowled, played a pivotal role in restricting TKR to a modest 93 for 8.Chasing 94, Barbados Royals started aggressively with Chamari Athapaththu leading the charge. She struck three consecutive fours in the fourth over and another three in the sixth over, putting Royals in a commanding position.However, Samara Ramnath's dismissal of Matthews and Qiana Joseph's wicket off Connell's athletic catch brought TKR back into the game. Despite losing three wickets in quick succession, Athapaththu remained resolute and guided Royals to victory in the 15th over.Athapaththu's unbeaten 39 and Alleyne's four-wicket haul were instrumental in Barbados Royals' triumph. Hayley Matthews, with 11 wickets and the second-most runs in WCPL 2024, was named Player of the Tournament.

Australian cricketer Jess Jonassen has become an internet sensation after imitating Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's iconic pose during a women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match. The incident occurred during the match between Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Royals at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 22, 2024.After dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne in the 15th over, Jonassen celebrated the wicket by striking the famous pose, which has been immortalized in Khan's films. A video of the moment quickly went viral on social media, garnering widespread attention.The match itself saw Barbados Royals Women emerge victorious by 7 wickets. Opting to bowl first, they restricted Trinbago Knight Riders to a modest total of 113 for 9 in 20 overs. The Royals then chased down the target in 17.1 overs.Meanwhile, in a significant development for Indian cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is poised to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sources have confirmed that Shah has the backing of cricket boards from England and Australia, giving him the necessary support to replace incumbent Greg Barclay in November.Shah's appointment would mark the third time an Indian has held the top position at the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar have all previously served as presidents or chairmen of the organization.

Jemimah Rodrigues, a seasoned T20 globetrotter, is currently honing her skills in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). With the upcoming women's T20 World Cup in the UAE looming, Rodrigues views this tournament as an invaluable opportunity to test herself in competitive environments and clutch moments.Rodrigues' international debut came in 2018, but her career hit a rough patch in 2021. However, she rediscovered her form during her time with Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, where she struck an unbeaten 92 in her first game. This performance gave her career a second wind.As she prepares for her fourth T20 World Cup, Rodrigues believes that the WCPL stint will provide her with the best possible preparation. "These are the matches that I'm actually going to get before going and playing like proper team matches [T20 World Cup]," she said. "I'm really looking forward to a few things that I'm working on to try and implement it here because when you do it in practice it's different. When you do it in a match, it's way different and franchise cricket has always excited me."Rodrigues has been known to be a touch player, but she has had to move out of her comfort zone and bat at No. 5 for India. However, at the WCPL, she is likely to bat at No. 3. Despite the challenges of batting on slower Caribbean surfaces, Rodrigues is confident in her ability to adapt. "For me, just knowing which shots work and having that clarity and going out there with clarity helps wherever I play," she explained.Rodrigues' versatility and adaptability make her a valuable asset to any team. She is eager to embrace the challenges of the WCPL and use it as a platform to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka's rising star Harshitha Samarawickrama has been signed by Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement for injured Australian captain Meg Lanning in the upcoming Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024.Samarawickrama, a left-handed top-order batter, has been in impressive form for Sri Lanka, earning the Player of the Final award in their maiden Women's Asia Cup title win in 2024. She has also scored back-to-back fifties in the T20I series against Ireland and became the third Sri Lankan woman to hit an ODI century.With 1463 runs in 65 T20Is at a strike rate of 99.72, Samarawickrama is a valuable addition to the Knight Riders squad. She joins Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Jess Jonassen as the other overseas players for the team.Lanning, who recently led London Spirit to victory in the Hundred, was forced to withdraw from the WCPL due to an injury. She had a lean run of scores in the Hundred, with 170 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 125.The Knight Riders will begin their WCPL 2024 campaign against Barbados Royals in Tarouba on Thursday. With Samarawickrama's inclusion, they will be hoping to make a strong start to the tournament and challenge for the title.

Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, and former pacer Jhulan Goswami have joined the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) for the inaugural Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) scheduled from August 21 to 29.The Trinbago Knight Riders Women, led by Deandra Dottin, will commence their campaign against defending champions Barbados Royals Women on Thursday. The team boasts an impressive roster, including Australian captain Meg Lanning, all-rounder Jess Jonassen, and the newly arrived Indian trio.Jhulan Goswami, who retired from international cricket last year, will serve as the mentor for the Knight Riders this season. Her experience and guidance will be invaluable to the team as they navigate the tournament.The WCPL is a significant development for women's cricket in the Caribbean region. It provides a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and gain international exposure. The tournament also aims to inspire young girls to pursue cricket and break down barriers in the sport.The Trinbago Knight Riders, with their diverse mix of international and local talent, are poised to make a strong impression in the WCPL. The team's success will not only benefit the franchise but also contribute to the growth of women's cricket in the Caribbean and beyond.

Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Gears Up with Exciting Player SigningsThe third edition of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to ignite the cricketing world from August 21 to 29 in Trinidad. The three franchises, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, and Trinbago Knight Riders, have bolstered their squads with a host of talented players.Guyana Amazon WarriorsThe Amazon Warriors have made a significant addition to their lineup with the signing of England wicketkeeper-batter Lauren Winfield-Hill. Winfield-Hill brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. They have also drafted in former West Indies Under-19 captain Ashmini Munisar, offspinner Sheneta Grimmond, uncapped allrounder Realeanna Grimmond, left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz, and Nyia Latchman. Jamaican seamer Kate Wilmott completes the Warriors' roster.Barbados RoyalsThe defending champions, Barbados Royals, have retained the core of their title-winning squad. Wicketkeeper Rashada Williams and batter Trishan Holder return to the team. They have also added seam-bowling allrounder Shabika Gajnabi, seamer Cherry Ann Fraser, and batter Djenaba Joseph, who all played for the Amazon Warriors last year.Trinbago Knight RidersTrinbago Knight Riders have retained Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, and young wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh from their previous squad. Batters Jannillea Glasgow and Chedean Nation, who were with the Royals in WCPL 2023, have moved to TKR for the upcoming season.Tournament DetailsAll seven matches of the WCPL will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The tournament promises to showcase the best female cricketers from around the world, including international stars like Stafanie Taylor, Shabnim Ismail, Deandra Dottin, and Meg Lanning.

Trinbago Knight Riders Bolster Squad with Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey for 2024 WCPLTrinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have made significant additions to their squad ahead of the 2024 Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) season. Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues and fast bowler Shikha Pandey have joined the franchise, bringing a wealth of international experience and talent to the team.Rodrigues, a rising star in the Indian women's cricket team, is known for her aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly. She has represented India in over 100 international matches and has been a key player in their recent successes.Pandey, on the other hand, is a seasoned fast bowler with over 150 international appearances. Her accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways make her a formidable opponent. She has been a consistent performer for India and has played a crucial role in their victories.TKR have also retained five players from their 2023 squad: Deandra Dottin, Shamila Connell, Kycia Knight, Zaida James, and Samara Ramnath. These players provide a solid foundation for the team, with Dottin being a powerful all-rounder, Connell a reliable fast bowler, and Knight a skilled wicketkeeper-batter.In addition to Rodrigues and Pandey, TKR have also secured the services of Australian batter Meg Lanning and left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen. Lanning, a former Australian captain and one of the greatest batters in the world, will bring her wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Jonassen, a highly skilled spinner, will add depth to TKR's bowling attack.With these additions, TKR have assembled a formidable squad that will be aiming to challenge for the WCPL title in 2024. The tournament will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven matches played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), the most successful team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), have bolstered their squad for the 2024 season with the signings of Tim David and Jason Roy. The duo joins a core of experienced West Indies stars, including Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Dwayne Bravo.David, a powerful hitter, has previous CPL experience with St Lucia Kings and Knight Riders. Roy, an explosive opener, will make his CPL debut with TKR. The team has also retained Akeal Hosein, the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul for West Indies in T20Is.Other key players retained by TKR include seamers Jayden Seales and Terrance Hinds, batters Mark Deyal and Keacy Carty, and overseas players Josh Little, Ali Khan, and Waqar Salamkheil. The squad currently stands at 15 members, with two more spots available in the draft in July.Last year, TKR reached the CPL final but fell short against Guyana Amazon Warriors. They will be eager to reclaim the title they last won in 2020. Their 2024 campaign begins on September 1 against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Basseterre.With a formidable squad featuring a blend of experience and firepower, TKR will be among the favorites to lift the CPL trophy once again.