分类： sports

West Indies opener John Campbell is poised to make his first One Day International (ODI) appearance in over six years, having been selected for the 15-member squad to face New Zealand in an upcoming three-match series. Campbell, 32, replaces Brandon King, who has been dropped due to a string of underwhelming performances. The series kicks off on Sunday in Christchurch, with subsequent matches scheduled for November 19 and 21. Campbell’s inclusion follows his recent Test success in India, where he scored his maiden century, and his standout performances in last year’s CG United Super50 Cup. Despite boasting an impressive ODI average of 49.60, Campbell last featured in an ODI in May 2019 against Ireland. The squad also sees the addition of pacer Johann Layne and all-rounder Shamar Springer, who join as replacements for injured bowlers Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds, and Jediah Blades. Matthew Forde, recently recovered from injury, has also been included. The squad, led by captain Shai Hope, aims to challenge New Zealand in what promises to be a competitive series.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to abandon its plans for a two-tier World Test Championship (WTC) following a lack of consensus among member nations. The decision was made during recent quarterly meetings in Dubai, where directors of the ICC convened to address the future of cricket’s three formats. A working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose presented recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), ultimately leading to the rejection of the two-tier proposal. The idea, which had been periodically discussed for over a decade, faced significant opposition from nations likely to be placed in Division Two, such as West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Concerns over reduced playing opportunities against top-tier teams and the absence of a viable funding model contributed to the proposal’s downfall. Instead, the ICC has proposed a 12-team WTC for the next cycle, beginning in July 2027, potentially including Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. Teams will be required to play a minimum number of Tests, though the exact figure remains undetermined. Additionally, the ODI Super League, scrapped after the 2023 World Cup, is set to be revived to provide more context for the 50-over format, which has seen declining interest.

The West Indies cricket team faced a disappointing end to their T20 series against New Zealand, succumbing to an eight-wicket defeat in the fifth and final match on November 12 at University Oval, Dunedin. Despite captain Shai Hope’s repeated calls for the top-order batsmen to step up, the Men in Maroon were bowled out for a meager 140 runs, sealing a 3-1 series loss. The West Indies’ batting collapse began early, with opener Alick Athanaze dismissed for just one run in the second over. The team’s woes continued as key players Shai Hope (11), Ackeem Auguste (8), and Sherfane Rutherford (0) fell victim to New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, who claimed four wickets for 35 runs. Roston Chase top-scored with 38 off 32 balls, while Romario Shepherd’s late surge of 36 off 22 provided a brief glimmer of hope. However, the West Indies failed to utilize their full quota of overs, being dismissed in 18.4 overs. In response, New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway (47 not out) and Tim Robinson (45) set the tone for a dominant chase, reaching the target of 141 in just 15.4 overs with 26 balls to spare. The teams will now shift focus to a three-match One-day International series starting November 15, followed by a Test series from December 1-22.

In a significant ceremony held on November 12 at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, Trinidad and Tobago, cricket icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were officially appointed as national sports ambassadors. The event was presided over by Minister Sean Sobers, who emphasized the government’s dedication to recognizing exceptional national athletes whose accomplishments inspire citizens and elevate the country’s global profile. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to honor outstanding sports figures, as previously announced by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts on September 4. Bravo, who recently led the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 21, has been instrumental in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting excellence. The team’s triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match in Providence, Guyana, was celebrated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who hosted the champions at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on September 23. During the event, Persad-Bissessar also named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin star Keshorn Walcott as sports ambassadors. While the exact dates for Pooran and Walcott’s official appointments remain undisclosed, the ministry expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo and Pollard to champion values of excellence, teamwork, and national pride, both domestically and internationally, while enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) invested over $2 million in hosting the Døds Diving World Championships in Charlotteville on August 9, a decision that has sparked discussions about the allocation of resources for sports tourism. Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Tashia Burris revealed the financial details during a plenary session in the Assembly Legislature on November 12, responding to inquiries from Minority councillor Petal Daniel-Benoit. The event, a collaboration between Døds Federation International, the THA, and the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago, attracted 50 divers from across the globe, who showcased their skills from a 10-meter platform. Burris emphasized the event’s potential for financial sustainability, noting that the THA will receive 50% of local advertising revenue for the 2026 edition, with four major advertisers already expressing interest. She contrasted this with the Tobago International Cycling Classic, which relies heavily on THA sponsorship and has struggled to attract international participants. Burris highlighted the Døds Diving event’s global exposure, with online viewership reaching 50 million and international broadcast deals secured for 2025-2027. In contrast, the Cycling Classic, which lacks UCI sanctioning and offers low prize money, has seen limited participation and international appeal. Burris concluded that the Døds Diving model represents a sustainable partnership for high-level sports tourism, while the Cycling Classic requires significant reforms to remain viable.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 13. With TT currently third in Group B of the Concacaf final round with five points, a victory over group leaders Jamaica (nine points) is essential to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Curacao, sitting second with eight points, also poses a threat as they face Bermuda in a simultaneous match. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to the intercontinental playoff. TT’s head coach, Dwight Yorke, emphasized the must-win nature of the game, stating, ‘We’re fighting for our lives to keep our dreams alive.’ Yorke acknowledged Jamaica’s strength but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. The previous encounter in September saw Jamaica secure a 2-0 victory, but Yorke remains optimistic about TT’s improved performance. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s coach, Steve McClaren, highlighted the significance of qualifying for the World Cup as a way to bring joy to a nation recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Both teams are under immense pressure as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Dow Village Government Primary School has once again demonstrated its supremacy in district football by securing a clean sweep at the Caroni District Football tournament on November 7. The school’s Under-15 boys’ team clinched the championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over Enterprise Government Primary School in the finals. This triumph adds to their earlier successes, as they had already claimed the Under-12 boys’ and Under-15 girls’ titles just a week prior. This remarkable achievement marks the second time in three years that Dow Village has swept the tournament, a feat first accomplished in 2023. Leading the charge was Elijah Austin, the tournament’s standout player and prolific striker, who scored over 20 goals throughout the competition. His exceptional performance was pivotal in securing the school’s triple crown. Coach Edna St Louis, owner of the Golden Tigers Football Club, has been a key figure in the school’s continued success since joining the coaching team in 2024. She was supported by Kim Jordan (teacher), and parents Akeem Billy and Crystal Nicholas. Under their guidance, Dow Village also captured the 2024 Under-12 boys’ title against Chaguanas RC School. Principal Gopaul Rajcoomar expressed immense pride in his students’ achievements, praising their teamwork, discipline, and dedication. He highlighted that the school’s consistent performance is a testament to the strong partnership between teachers, coaches, and parents. With this victory, Dow Village Government Primary School has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Caroni District school football.