Red Force begin Super50 title defence today

TRINIDAD AND Tobago Red Force will begin the defence of their CG United Super50 Cup today in a game against Combined Colleges and Campuses Marooners (CCC) at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground.

More importantly, players looking to break into the West Indies team to the 2027 World Cup will be hoping to impress.

Cricket West Indies announced the start of the competition yesterday, a press release saying, “the tournament is an essential platform for showcasing the region’s best cricket talent and a vital part of our preparation for future international competitions, including the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027”.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s director of cricket, highlighted the tournament within the context of a bustling period for West Indies cricket:

“We are in an exciting and busy period for West Indies cricket, with our Maroon Warriors just reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup and our senior men fresh off their tour of Sri Lanka and gearing up to battle rivals England. The CG United Super50 Cup allows our players to showcase their talents at a crucial time. As we prepare for the Bangladesh tour, performances here could be a springboard for many players looking to represent the region. This tournament is an integral part of our development plans as we build towards the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“We are maintaining the bonus points system, as it aligns with our Key Performance Indicators for our ODI performances, and we look forward to seeing how the players equip themselves for this level of competition.”

Rupert Hunter, CWI’s new chief commercial officer, emphasised the significance of the event and CG United’s support:

“The CG United Super50 Cup continues to be a cornerstone in the development of West Indies cricket, providing our players with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on a competitive stage. We are incredibly grateful to CG United for their dedicated support, which has helped strengthen our vision for the future of cricket in the region.”

For the second consecutive year, teams will also be competing for increased prize money, with the winners set to receive US$100,000, while the runners-up will take home US$50,000. Losing semi-finalists will be rewarded US$25,000 each.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will also take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Torouba.

The game between the Red Force and CCC begins at 8 a.m., while the Harpy Eagles and the Windward Islands bow into action at noon.

- Courtesy of CWI Media