The West Indies’ match-winner from the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup final in India, Carlos Brathwaite, will be visiting the island the following month to participate in the Bermuda Smash Invitational.
Along with Raymon Reifer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, and Sharmarh Brooks, Brathwaite, 35, is one of four international cricket players selected for the first competition. His valiant efforts helped the West Indies defeat England by four wickets. Shane Hollis, a member of the BSI board, believes the four players will light up the T20 competition’s debut.
“These remarkable athletes will be drafted to teams in the coming weeks,’’ Hollis said.
“Their presence in the tournament will showcase the high calibre of competition Bermuda Smash Invitational aims to achieve.
“Their skills and world-class experience, paired with Bermuda’s best players, will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats across the island and the globe.”
There is no doubt that Brathwaite will be the star attraction for what promises to be an action-filled event at North Field, National Sports Centre, from May 15 to 19 but there also promises to be plenty of local talent involved in the four-team T20 tournament.
Bermudian coaches and captains have also been announced, with Pembroke Panthers coached by Janeiro Tucker and captained by Tre Manders. Clay Smith has been tasked with mentoring Hamilton Parish Hurricanes, with the captaincy handed to Terryn Fray.
Smith’s Sixers, led by Delray Rawlins, will be coached by Clevie Wade. Alongside coach Jeff Richardson, Kamau Leverock, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, will lead Sandys Spartans.
Similar to the Indian Premier League, there will be a live player draft at Ocean View Golf Club on May 10. Teams will choose 13 players, and local cricketers will have the opportunity to impress captains and coaches during a scouting combine on May 3 and 4. The player draft will employ a tier structure, which will also serve as a guide for payment.
“Payments will be based on a tier system and, just like the IPL, we’re going to rate them.
“There will be two tiers, A and B, and development player. Every tier will have a fixed amount, all the captains will be on the same amount and all the players that are drafted will be on the same amount.”
Bermuda Cricket Board president Lloyd Smith has welcomed the addition of the BSI to the island’s cricket calender.
“It’s a pleasure to have another tournament in Bermuda,’’ Smith said. “As the BCB, one of our main goals is to have cricket played in Bermuda.
“To bring a tournament of this level, with international players, is definitely a plus for our 2024 cricket schedule.”
The Bermuda Government, LiveNet, CG Insurance, MS Reinsurance, BermudAir, Burrows Lightbourn, BGA, as well as Sound Concepts and Barclay’s Construction have been announced as sponsors of the event, with Vance Campbell, the Acting Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, expressing support for the initiative.
“The Government of Bermuda proudly extends its support to the Bermuda Smash International,’’ Campbell said.
“In collaboration with the ministry of tourism, our partnership with the BSI team and the National Sports Centre highlights our commitment to bringing all stakeholders together for the success of this event.”
