TKR open against Royals in 2022 Women's CPL final repeat

DEFENDING Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) champions Trinbago Knight Riders will open their title defence against last year’s losing finalists Barbados Royals.

The WCPL will take place from August 31-September 10 in Barbados and Trinidad.

TKR defeated Royals by ten runs in the final of the inaugural tournament in 2022 at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts. On September 2, TKR will play their first match of the tournament against the Royals at Kensington Oval in Barbados. In 2022, former West Indies T20 star Deandra Dottin was TKR’s captain and the experienced off-spinner Anisa Mohammed was the vice-captain.

More matches will be played in this year’s WCPL as each team will play four matches in the preliminary phase with the top two teams advancing to the final on September 10 in Trinidad.

The three teams who will be taking part are TKR, Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

On Wednesday, a CPL media release said, “There will be an expanded tournament with increased number of matches this year, giving more opportunity for the best players from the West Indies and beyond to showcase their talents in front of the vibrant crowds at the Biggest Party in Sport.”

Massy Group has confirmed that they will be returning as title sponsor for the tournament in a three-year deal that renews their commitment to support and grow women’s sport in the region.

The teams will be announced at the end of June with each squad made up of nine senior West Indies players, two emerging West Indies players and four overseas players. The emerging players will be under the age of 21 and chosen from a list provided by Cricket West Indies.

CEO of the CPL Pete Russell said the second WCPL will help to continue growing women’s cricket. “We were delighted with the reception the first WCPL received in 2022 and we cannot wait for the start of an expanded tournament this year,” Russell said.

“These hugely talented players deserve the best chance to showcase their talents and the WCPL is the perfect stage for this. Women’s cricket is growing rapidly and it is pleasing for CPL to play a significant part in that growth.”

President of CWI Dr Kishore Shallow knows girls will be motivated to play cricket when they see the WCPL. He said, “This opportunity for our regional cricketers is invaluable. Additionally, there is no doubt that the spectacle of the tournament will inspire more young female cricketers to take up the sport. It is certainly an exciting time for all parties involved.”

Senior vice-president at Massy Group Ambikah Mongroo said, “As Massy celebrates our 100th anniversary in 2023, supporting the WCPL exemplifies what we believe to be truly representative of our Caribbean heart. It’s the passion for the game of cricket, it’s the energy of our Caribbean women and the combination of both to have global reach through the CPL platforms.”

WCPL FIXTURES:

August 31: Barbados Royals vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kensington Oval

September 2: Royals vs TKR, Kensington Oval

September 3: Amazon Warriors vs Royals, Kensington Oval

September 5: TKR vs Amazon Warriors, Trinidad

September 6: TKR vs Royals, Trinidad

September 9: Amazon Warriors vs TKR, Trinidad

September 10: Final, Trinidad