MITTCO, CPL partner to bring pan to 2022 edition

DURING the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) the sweet sound of pan will add to the vibe as the Musical Instruments of TT Company Ltd (MITTCO) is one of the latest sponsors of the league.

The announcement was made at the MITTCO compound at eTeck Diamond Vale Business Park in Diego Martin on Thursday.

The inclusion of pan during CPL matches will certainly raise the temperature at venues throughout the region, including the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair.

The CPL, tagged as the Biggest Party in Sport, will be held from August 30-September 30, with eight matches taking place in TT from September 12-18. Trinbago Knight Riders will be involved in four of those matches.

Natalie Black-O’Connor, head of branding and hospitality at CPL, is elated about the three-year partnership from 2022-2024.

“We are very excited to be partnering with MITTCO for the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League,” Black-O’Connor said.

The introduction of pan is in line with CPL’s goals, she said.

“At CPL we always pride ourselves on being a Caribbean brand with a global outlook and there is no better example of this than steelpan, which has become synonymous with our region and is one of our greatest exports. Having MITTCO being part of CPL 2022 is even more exciting, given that we are seeing the return of fans from across the region after two years of having the tournament impacted by the global (covid19) pandemic.”

In 2020, when the entire CPL was held in Trinidad, no fans were allowed. In 2021, only a limited number of fans were allowed to attend matches at Warner Park in St Kitts – the lone venue for that edition.

Akua Leith, director of business development at MITTCO, said, “MITTCO is deeply heartened to confirm that the MITTCO steelpan is the official musical instrument of the Hero CPL and that we will be a sponsor for a consecutive period of three years from 2022-2024.”

Soca, reggae and chutney artistes have performed throughout the nine-year history of the CPL.

“According to the details of this agreement, the CPL will also facilitate the integration of live steelpan performances during all the matches,” Leith said.

He said the exposure given to musicians during the CPL will be satisfying.

“Benefits from this exposure to such a diverse multimedia platform and global audience are certain to augur well with the entire steelpan fraternity.”

Leith thanked the CPL for the opportunity to showcase the instrument to the world.