Sammy thanks CPL for making event a reality

ST LUCIA Zouks captain Daren Sammy has commended organisers for making the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament a reality after the covid19 pandemic threatened to prevent the competition from bowling off.

On July 9 after months of deliberation, the TT Government gave permission that the entire tournament will be held in TT.

One of the reasons TT was selected to host the tournament was because of the two world-class venues available – Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair.

On Wednesday, at a media conference for finalists Trinbago Knight Riders and Zouks, Sammy said, “I just want to thank (tournament operations director) Michael Hall and his team for actually pulling this tournament off.”

Sammy said people were sceptical before the tournament. “We all had our issues and our concerns when everything just started, but when you look at it to actually have cricket going on right now in the Caribbean in these times (is great). Just like (Kieron) Pollard said to give cricketers an opportunity to come and showcase their talent but actually earn a living. I think we must commend the CPL and the team…I will like to echo my sentiments of appreciation for actually being here in this tournament.”

Over 250 players, coaches and officials stayed at the Hilton Hotel in St Ann’s. They were only allowed to leave the hotel for CPL related activities including matches and practice.

No fans were allowed to attend the matches in an effort to reduce the spread of covid19.

The final will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy at 10 am, on Thursday.