West Indies Breakout League Finalizes Squads Following Player Draft

The inaugural West Indies Breakout League, slated for April 25th to May 10th, 2025, has finalized its team rosters following a player draft designed to showcase budding Caribbean cricket talent. Six franchise teams, representing Trinidad & Tobago, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Guyana, Barbados, and Jamaica, will compete in a 17-match tournament hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The league’s focus on emerging players is reflected in its stringent eligibility criteria: players must be 26 years old or younger, with limited professional experience, capped at fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and 10 International T20 appearances. This emphasis on youth injected an exciting dynamic into the draft process, with a notable number of teenagers securing coveted spots on the league’s rosters.

The squad selection process involved a combination of player retention and drafting. Each franchise was permitted to retain up to seven players, with a maximum of three players aged between 27 and 29. This strategic rule allowed teams to secure a core of slightly more experienced players while adhering to the league’s youth-centric vision. The remaining seven squad members for each team were filled through the draft, ensuring a fair distribution of rising stars across the league. To further promote inter-island competition and player development, each franchise was allowed to draft two players from outside their home territory, adding a layer of strategic complexity to the selection process.

The Trinidad & Tobago Legions secured a blend of youth and experience, retaining established players like Kamil Pooran and Amir Jangoo alongside promising youngsters such as Micah McKenzie and Abdul-Raheem Toppin. The Leeward Islands Thunder, featuring a late replacement of Kenneth Pennyfeather for the injured Jeremiah Louis, built their squad around Keacy Carty and Kofi James, supplementing them with emerging talents like Jewel Andrew and Nathan Edward. The Windward Islands Infernos, anchored by Darel Cyrus and Shadrack Descarte, incorporated rising stars like Alick Athanaze and Joshua DaSilva into their lineup. These three teams represent the southern and eastern Caribbean, bringing diverse cricketing styles and emerging talent to the league.

The Guyana Rainforest Rangers, representing the South American mainland, retained Nial Smith and Kemol Savory, adding exciting prospects like Riyad Latiff and Reon Edwards to their ranks. The Barbados Pelicans, boasting a strong cricketing tradition, secured Leniko Boucher and Joshua Bishop, bolstering their squad with young talents like Zishan Motara and Isai Thorne. Finally, the Jamaica Titans, known for their passionate cricket following, retained Deethmar Anderson and Leroy Lugg, further strengthening their team with promising youngsters like Jordan Johnson and Brian Barnes. These teams represent the western Caribbean nations, showcasing the region’s rich cricketing heritage.

The draft witnessed an impressive influx of young talent, with fifteen teenagers earning spots on various teams, underlining the league’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of West Indies cricketers. This youthful injection promises an exciting and unpredictable tournament, as these emerging stars strive to make their mark on the professional stage. The inclusion of these teenagers not only provides them with invaluable experience but also injects a sense of dynamism and unpredictability into the league. Their performances will undoubtedly be closely followed by cricket enthusiasts and scouts alike.

The West Indies Breakout League signifies a significant investment in the future of Caribbean cricket. By creating a dedicated platform for emerging players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience, the league aims to strengthen the talent pool and contribute to the continued success of West Indies cricket on the international stage. The tournament promises thrilling matches and the emergence of new stars, marking another chapter in the vibrant history of West Indies cricket. The league’s success will be measured not only by the quality of cricket played but also by the development of young players who may one day represent the West Indies at the highest level.