The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

With a big year on tap for the Bahamas Cricket Association, the local governing body of the sport has named the national team to represent the country as preparations are well underway for hosting international competition.

The BCA is scheduled to host the International Cricket Council Tournament of the Americas Division II competition, February 5-10 at Haynes Oval.

Team members include a cross section of players from teams throughout the BCA: Gregory Taylor Jr, Marc Taylor, and Rudolph Fox of the Police, narendra Ekanayake, Johnathan Barry, Albert Peters, Ryan Tappin, Mark Levy and Jagonauth Jagroo of Dynasty CC, Roderick Mitchell, Gregory Irving, Turan Brown, Dwight Weakley and Andrew Nash of Western’s CC and Himchand Rampersad of Teachers’ CC.

The Haynes Oval turf wicket and outfield are currently being refurbished for the tournament along with spectator accommodations. 

The squad is currently practicing under the guidance of BCA national head coach Mohammed Allie.

Participating teams in the tournament will include Argentina, Belize, Panama, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas. 

The Bahamas previously captured the ICC Americas Division II title in 2010, despite losing a thrilling final match to Suriname by three wickets, so the Bahamas looks to be one of the major players in the tournament.

Despite their second loss in the tournament the Bahamas had a net run rate that secured the tournament title for them and promotion to Division 1 in Bermuda later that year. 

The Bahamas was promoted to the Division I tournament scheduled for Bermuda in May/June 2010, however was relegated to Div II after a disappointing finish. 

The tournament is a part of the BCA’s effort to have cricket recognised as a major part of the Bahamas’ 40th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Officially listed as the national sport of the Bahamas and the oldest team sport played in the Bahamas, cricket will “be participating and be well represented in the celebrations in 2013,” said national cricket legend Paul Thompson.

“Cricket continues to thrive, although it’s not getting the publicity it deserves. Cricket and music, unlike politics, united the people of the Caribbean and made us feel proud. Recent statistics have shown that cricket is second only to soccer in the world of sports. The game is played in 125 countries worldwide with 655 million viewers. To that end, we are hoping we get some support for the upcoming tournaments,” Thompson said.

Thompson highlighted the recent achievements of international teams. “The Bahamas national teams, Under-15, Under-19, and senior teams have participated successfully in International Cricket Council-sponsored tournaments all over the region of the Americas,” he said.

“The 2001 team emerged as champions in the tournament played in Jamaica, in 2004, the team beat Panama to qualify to play in the World League, and in 2009, the Bahamas won the Under-15 regional tournament and the Pepsi Cola ICC tournament for senior teams.”