Barbados Royals' Aaliyah Alleyne wants regional players to step up in WCPL

BARBADOS Royals all-rounder Aaliyah Alleyne is calling on regional players to step up in the 2024 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) and show their calibre alongside the world’s best when the third edition is played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from August 21-29.

Alleyne, a member of the winning Royals squad last year, was speaking at the launch of this year’s tournament at the Massy head office in Port of Spain on July 31.

This year, a few of the WCPL matchdays will be part of double-headers alongside the West Indies men’s T20 series against South Africa, which will be played from August 23-27.

Double-headers will be held at the Brian Lara venue on August 23, 25 and 27.

Many of the women’s players expected to feature in this year’s edition were in attendance at the launch including Trinbago Knight Riders pair Anisa Mohammed and Shamilia Connell; Royals players Rashada Williams and Chinelle Henry; and Guyana Amazon Warriors player Karishma Ramharack.

In 2024, the quality of foreign players is arguably better than it has ever been and certainly a lot of attention will be on them.

Alleyne, a member of the West Indies women’s team, is eyeing a productive showing, but called on all the regional players to deliver. “Personally, the important thing for me is scoring more runs and I think overall more of the regional players probably putting their hands up. Last year, we had a lot of the overseas players and I think for us as a regional unit we want to see our girls scoring more runs because it could only help us at the international level.”

Alleyne, speaking on behalf of the players, thanked Massy for its support of women’s cricket.

“Women’s CPL is something that I hold dearly to why heart...it is a tournament where we could showcase our skills, but not only showcase our skills, but we can also rub shoulders with the international players. Not only international players...but Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman. We can also learn a lot from them.”

Discussing Massy’s involvement in the game, Alleyne said, “I just want to say thank you to Massy and CPL for what you have done so far. We have been grateful.”

The all-rounder is confident in the Royals chances again this year, captained by Hayley Matthews.

“Hopefully the defending champions Barbados Royals can do it one more time.”

Mohammed, the vice-captain of the TT franchise over the past two years, likes the team’s chances. TKR have added Australians Meg Lanning and Jess Jonassen, along with Indian player Jemimah Rodrigues.

Mohammed said, “Obviously we are looking to win. Looking at our team I think we have probably the strongest team in the tournament, so we are definitely looking to win another title this year.

“She (Lanning) is definitely one of the best players in the world, so to have her on our team and to bring that all-round experience I think it’s a really good thing for us this year.”

Senior vice-president Ambikah Mongroo at Massy Group said, “This Massy Group CPL is a platform that embodies empowerment, resilience and collaboration. Values that have underpinned this group since inception 100 years ago.

“While the CPL brings female athletes from around the globe we believe in our Caribbean athletes and we want to see them shine.”

She said the goal is to create a level playing field for women. “Massy and CPL share a deep desire to see women’s CPL reach parity with the men’s (CPL) in every way. We know this will take time and we are committed to this journey in advancing diversity and inclusion...in the Caribbean through sport.”

Regional head of marketing at CPL Candace Simmons and senior coordinator at the Sport Company of TT Kyome Pascall Mortley also gave remarks.