The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has successfully secured renewed sponsorship for its youth development programs heading into 2026, marking a significant recovery from the complete loss of youth tournament funding experienced in 2024. This announcement was made by TTCB President Azim Bassarath during the board’s annual end-of-year luncheon at the National Cricket Centre in Couva on December 17.
The sponsorship package will comprehensively cover the Under-13 and Under-15 inter-zone tournaments, North/South Classics, along with four-team competitions at both Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Bassarath characterized this development as a strong vote of confidence in the organization’s restructured governance and enhanced focus on grassroots cricket development.
This financial backing arrives as the TTCB intensifies its youth cricket initiatives following a challenging period in early 2024. The previous sponsorship withdrawal stemmed from administrative disputes involving former treasurer Kiswah Chaitoo and a police investigation into financial mismanagement by another ex-employee. Despite these setbacks, the board successfully completed all inter-zone tournaments throughout 2025, culminating in Trinidad and Tobago’s championship victory in the West Indies Rising Stars Under-17 50-over tournament hosted domestically.
Notable among 2025’s achievements was the innovative Under-23 Cup, which strategically featured an Under-19 team competing against older opponents to accelerate player development through exposure to advanced physical, mental, and tactical challenges. The board also completed level one coaching certification programs across most zones, with plans to extend coverage to remaining areas.
The 2026 competition calendar will commence with the Under-15 inter-zone tournament on January 28, followed by Under-19 competitions starting February 20. The Under-17 tournament begins April 1, with Under-13 matches commencing April 23. Significantly, the TTCB has committed to maintaining its local Under-17 tournament despite the absence of regional competition at this level, emphasizing the importance of continuous development for this age group.
Beyond competitive events, the TTCB will collaborate with SporTT to conduct club development seminars nationwide, focusing on governance, administration, and organizational sustainability. Additionally, a coaching caravan will visit underserved communities including Toco, Blanchisseuse, Mayaro and Point Fortin, targeting both male and female players under 20 years old.
TTCB General Secretary Henry Chase affirmed that the sponsorship return indicates restored confidence in the board’s leadership after what he described as a ‘turbulent 2025’ period.