Borde: TKR will adjust to ‘new’ CPL

TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) manager Colin Borde said the local franchise is ready to follow all the guidelines concerning the likelihood of a new look 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) because of the covid19 pandemic.

The virus has caused uncertainty surrounding this year’s tournament. The tournament, originally scheduled to start on August 19, may be postponed as several local and world sporting events are being impacted.

CPL officials are looking at options to make the tournament a reality. Ideas being discussed are ensuring venues are only 25 per cent full to ensure social distancing, using less venues and not allowing overseas players to participate in this year’s edition to reduce the spread of covid19.

Capacity crowds at the Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy here in Trinidad have propelled TKR to three titles since the tournament began in 2013. On playing in front of smaller crowds, Borde said, “The team has always enjoyed great support from its fans.

"We would prefer a packed stadium, but if it is that social distancing is the order of the day then we fully understand and are prepared to follow all the protocols. There are so many logistical variables to playing (but) safety first. Sport is big business but it’s still a sport, lives come first.”

The TKR manager believes overseas players help build the CPL brand, but is confident that the regional players can entertain.

“If circumstances dictate that we play with locals only the skill levels are high enough to entertain any crowd on the planet. Each CPL we see the regional talent shining. Overseas players bring a different approach to the game and encourages wider global viewership and we welcome the different philosophies and approaches to play that accompany foreign players and staff.”

Borde said as the start of the tournament approaches, the league will make the necessary adjustments.

Every year, TKR aim to keep their core of players together as the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin and New Zealand's Colin Munro have been with the team for years. “Regarding the core of players each year we always re-evaluate with the intention of building within. This year will be no different.”

Several international players have lined up for TKR since the inaugural edition.

Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ross Taylor, Kevin O’Brien, Brendon McCullum and Munro are some of the overseas players that have represented the local franchise.

Borde said the staff is aiming to include more international talent. “We have our eyes on a few foreign players that we would like to have as part of the family and conversations are being had.”