Cricket fans across the Windward Islands are facing an unexpected storyline ahead of the 2025 Windward Islands Super 50 Men’s Tournament: the reigning Most Valuable Player will not feature in the preliminary training squad for defending champions Saint Lucia, and is set to miss the tournament entirely due to prior regional commitments. The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) announced its 30-strong trial squad earlier this week, with last year’s standout performer Ackeem Auguste notably absent from the roster.
Last year’s tournament was a breakout for Auguste, a full West Indies international who dominated the competition on home soil. The star batter compiled 346 runs at an extraordinary average of 115, and also claimed five catches – more than any other fielder in the tournament – to cement his MVP status. While Auguste will sit out this year’s event, two other standout performers from 2024’s title-winning campaign, fast bowler Keon Gaston and wicketkeeper Noelle Leo – both products of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, same as Auguste – have earned spots in this year’s trial squad. Reigning captain Kimani Melius is also set to return to lead the side’s title defense. Top-order batter Johnel Eugene will join Auguste on the sidelines, also sidelined by prior regional commitments.
The bulk of the 2025 trial squad is made up of returning familiar names, including Dornan Edward, Jayden Elibox, Lee John, Mckenny Clarke, Shadrack Descarte, Shawnil Edward, Tarrique Edward, Theo Edward and Tyrel Chicot. A host of emerging young talents have also received their first call-ups to the senior trial squad, including Bjorn Fanis, Bolton Sayers, Cody Fontenelle, Dane Edward, Isiah Jones, Jard Goodman, Jonathan Daniel, Kensley Paul, Khan Elcock, Liam Joseph, Nathaniel Joseph, Neil Poyotte, Qwaine Henry, Royce Paul, Joshua Cepal and Stephen Naitram.
SLNCA president Wayne Auguste expressed confidence in the depth of talent assembled for the trial process, outlining the association’s dual priorities for the 2025 tournament. “Our objective is not simply to defend the Windward Islands Super 50 title, but also to continue strengthening the pathway from national cricket to franchise and international cricket,” he explained. He emphasized the urgency of strong performances from Saint Lucian players, noting that the regional Windward Islands Volcanoes side has finished at the bottom of regional rankings over the past two seasons. “It is critical that all our players from the Windward Islands seize the opportunity and demonstrate that they are ready to make the step up to franchise level. Saint Lucia has consistently produced talented cricketers, and we want to see more of our players putting up their hands for higher honours,” he added.
The current 30-player group will go through a multi-stage selection process to narrow down to the final squad that will represent Saint Lucia at the tournament, which is scheduled to run from July 25 to August 5 in Grenada. Over the coming weeks, selected players will complete a series of structured training sessions, fitness assessments, and trial matches as selectors and coaching staff evaluate candidates for the final roster.
In an official statement, the SLNCA reaffirmed its confidence in the trial squad’s ability to carry on Saint Lucia’s proud cricketing legacy and mount a competitive title defense: “The SLNCA is confident that the players selected for the trial squad possess the talent, commitment, and determination necessary to uphold the island’s proud cricketing tradition and mount a strong defence of the championship.”
Selectors built the preliminary squad after reviewing performances across three recent domestic competitions: the Prime Minister’s Independence T20 Tournament, the Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 Competition, and the Premier League Two-Day tournament. Player fitness, disciplinary record, and long-term developmental potential were also key criteria in the selection process.
The trial period will officially get underway on June 14 with a mandatory baseline fitness test at the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, which will serve as a key benchmark for selectors moving forward. The first red-ball practice match is scheduled to kick off the following weekend at Saint Lucia’s iconic Mindoo Phillip Park. The final 15-man squad and team management will be announced to the public once the full selection process concludes.