TKR women's captain says league on right path

TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) women’s captain Deandra Dottin is elated that international cricketers are interested in playing in the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League, saying more overseas players want to play in the regional tournament.

Only three teams will feature in the second edition of the WCPL, but there is only room for four overseas players on each team.

“I definitely think that CPL is going in the right direction,” she said. But Dottin, who plays in T20 leagues around the world, wished more overseas players could be accommodated.

“It is just a bit sad that there a couple of other overseas players that actually wanted to participate in the CPL, but then I know it was limited because they (only) have three teams (TKR, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Royals). Hopefully next year they can add another team, and it could kick off a little bigger.”

Dottin said people are always attracted to the region.

“There are a lot of overseas players that like to be in the Caribbean, for one,” she said, laughing.

She knows it may be challenging for the WCPL to reach the level of The Hundred in England or the Big Bash in Australia, but it is worth the effort.

Dottin, who said TKR had quality players last year, believes TKR is equipped with a talented team again.

“Last year is not that we did not have quality, but we have more experience, more knowledge as well…Dane (Van Niekerk), she is a former captain, and Mignon du Preez is also a really good player, and she is a former South African player as well.”

Women players in the Caribbean have been clamouring for Women’s CPL for years. One who has been outspoken on the topic is Dottin’s TKR teammate Britney Cooper.

More matches will be held in the WCPL this year, and Dottin is satisfied.

“I am definitely glad that they are actually getting more games, but (what) I am most glad about is that it had actually kicked off, because there were rumours that they would be having WCPL (for years), and it is finally here. It is best for us as players to take advantage and make the best of it.”

The WCPL final will be held in TT, with fans hoping to see TKR lift the title at home.

Dottin said, “I think it means a lot, to be honest. It will be massive to win the cup in front of the TKR home crowd, because Trinidad is one of the Caribbean homes of cricket, they love their cricket. I think lifting that trophy in front of our fans (will be special).

"There will be some nerves for some players, but I think it is a massive opportunity for us to showcase our talent in front of the home crowd.”

The CPL plays a key role in improving the standard of cricket in the region, she believes.

“I think it is very important to them, (because) they are actually getting more T20 games to get themselves game-ready for any T20 series they have, or even T20 World Cup.”

The CPL is also an opportunity for youngsters to learn from the more seasoned campaigners.

“They could also take stuff from it and use as tactics…if they are struggling with their batting, bowling or fielding. It is a learning process, so I think it is important to them. They are not only playing against one another, but they have overseas players that they can play against, so it will be a lot more competitive as well.”

Looking at the composition of the TKR team, Dottin said, “Experience and balance – I think that is what we definitely have. We have pace, we have leg spin, we have off spin, we have very good batters, we have very good fielders. We have a bit of everything.”

Anisa Mohammed, Cooper, Shamilia Connell, Lee-Ann Kirby and twin sisters Kycia and Kyshona Knight are among the experienced players on the team.

TKR women’s squad:

Deandra Dottin, Anisa Mohammed, Britney Cooper, Mignon du Preez, Lee-Ann Kirby, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Shunelle Sawh, Carena Noel, Orla Prendergast, Samara Ramnath, Dane van Niekerk, Zaida James, Shamilia Connell, Fran Jonas.