Leeward Islands Under-19 Cricket Tournament Begins Today

The Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) U17/19 Tournament is set to commence on April 14, 2025, in St. Kitts, bringing together the budding cricketing talents from four islands: Antigua, Nevis, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten. This tournament serves as a vital platform for these young cricketers to showcase their skills, gain valuable match experience, and compete against their peers in a structured and challenging environment. The tournament not only contributes to the development of individual players but also strengthens the cricketing infrastructure and fosters camaraderie among the Leeward Islands.

The tournament’s format encompasses a round-robin stage followed by semi-finals and ultimately the final and third-place playoff. The initial round-robin phase sees each team play against every other team once, allowing for comprehensive assessment of each team’s capabilities. The matches will be strategically distributed across two venues, Warner Park and Conaree, ensuring equitable distribution of game opportunities and providing exposure to varied playing conditions for the young athletes. This initial stage will culminate on April 17th, setting the stage for the semi-finals and the climactic final matches.

The match schedule has been meticulously planned to provide ample rest and recovery time for the players. The opening day, April 15th, will feature Antigua clashing with Nevis at Warner Park while simultaneously St. Kitts will face St. Maarten at Conaree. This parallel scheduling allows for maximum exposure and ensures that fans can witness a diverse array of cricketing talent. The subsequent days, April 16th and 17th, will follow a similar format, with matches played at both venues concurrently. A strategically placed rest day on April 18th allows players to recuperate and prepare for the high-stakes semi-finals scheduled for April 19th at both Warner Park and Conaree. The tournament will reach its crescendo on April 20th with the finals and the third-place playoff, providing a thrilling conclusion to the competition.

The Nevis squad, one of the four participating teams, has announced a promising lineup for the tournament. Leading the charge is Captain Jevon Manners, supported by Vice-Captain Carlton Pluck. The squad boasts a mix of talented batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders, each poised to contribute to the team’s success. Among the key players are Rajani Didder, Lythe Browne, Amoree Jones, Jhadone Herbert, Krishna Girdhari, Leshawn Weekes, Taysean Wilkinson, Delroy Prentice, Ulano Smithen, Jaden Browne, Tzhavier Pemberton, and Deshawn James. These players have been carefully selected based on their demonstrated performance and potential, and they are expected to showcase their prowess throughout the tournament.

The Nevis squad has also named three reserve players – Hussain Romany, Kaieem Saddler, and Kamari France – to provide cover in case of injuries or unforeseen circumstances. These reserves play a crucial role in ensuring the team’s preparedness and maintaining a competitive edge throughout the tournament. They also benefit from the experience of being part of the tournament environment, enhancing their development and readiness for future opportunities.

The Nevis team will be guided by a dedicated management unit comprising Manager Frank Monzac and Coaches Tyler Martin and Adelvin Phillip. This experienced management team brings a wealth of cricketing knowledge and leadership skills to the squad. They will be responsible for strategizing, motivating the players, and providing the necessary support and guidance throughout the tournament. Their expertise will be crucial in fostering team cohesion, maximizing player performance, and ultimately driving the team towards success in the LICB U17/19 Tournament. The combination of a talented squad and a dedicated management team positions Nevis as a strong contender in the upcoming competition.