The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) is not happy that the local franchise team for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League is named after the country. In a press release yesterday the board stated that the name T&T Red Steel should not be used because the team is not a national team and hence the words “Trinidad and Tobago” or Trinidad should not be included in the naming or the branding.
According to the release: “The TTCB supports the statement made by national player, Samuel Badree with respect to the naming of the CPL franchise team, based at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain. While the team will be captained by National player Dwayne Bravo, it is not a national team and should not be named, such that the words ‘Trinidad & Tobago’ or the word ‘Trinidad’ be included in the naming or branding of the franchise.” “The TTCB takes the opportunity to wish the home-based franchise, as well as all other franchises, the best in the inaugural version of the Caribbean Premier League and to inform the general public that our role in this event is minimal.
“Our Board is not involved in any way, in the selection of players or team officials, or in the organisation and management of the franchise or of the matches to be played at the Queen’s Park Oval. The CPL is a private tournament sanctioned by the WICB, and run by a private organisation. “The TTCB continues to work with dedication and diligence in the administration of domestic cricket and in the preparation of our national teams, which includes representation at the regional under-15, under-17 and under-19 tournaments as well as the Champions League in India in September 2013. “We confirm that the TTCB is also as integral partner in the upcoming Tri-Nations Series from 5th to 11th July 2013 at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, and urge all cricket fans to attend these matches and rally around the West Indies.”