Passion, rivalry, Caribbean flair and just sheer sporting ecstasy was the Hero CPL T20 2017….cricket fans and enthusiasts got just what they anticipated….a gripping, full-of-competitiveness tournament which had them at every stage at the edge of their seats whether at home or in the stadium.
Every game, every ball just had fever pitch with it, aided by the evanescent Caribbean spectacle of colour, music, costumes, spirited analysis in the stands and real enthusiasm, the biggest party in
sport steamed live up to its name and its reputation.
The tournament organizers continued the legacy of ensuring that fans and supporters from all aspects of life, were able to see their local and international sporting heroes live and in living colour and feel a part of the great energy which is the Hero CPLT20; especially with the continuation of games played in the sunshine state of Florida, new levels of excitement arose and real Caribbean lifestyle was on show, as new converts got to “fete” and experience the warmth of the nations all in one through delectable food and music.
From the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago to Sabina Park in Jamaica, the essence of franchise cricket with Caribbean electricity came back to town and arose in the teams, a new level of spirit that filled every ground. Some crowd favourites like Brendon McCullum, Kumar Sangakara and Shane Watson brought their international experience and demonstrated their best efforts to their fans on the field and of course thrilled with their spirited and dynamic El Dorado celebrations.
Expectations climaxed as at every moment, anticipation of which teams would really dominate this time around – (due to the draft now becoming very interesting with “resident” players now joining new teams), the dynamism of the powerhouse Chis Gayle (who played this edition as captain for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots) – all brought even more watchful eyes to the forefront especially with Chris not leading the defending champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs.
Fans were anxiously watching the fighting determination of the Darren Sammy-led St. Lucia Stars, which gave their home supporters thrilling hope of advancing, but could just not penetrate the might and strength of their opponents leaving them defeated and not celebrating a single victory; the Barbados Tridents and their “strategically minded” captain Kieron Pollard, fell to similar fate only winning six of their ten games much to their anticipation of advancing.
Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs produced valiant efforts at times throughout the preliminary fixtures of the competition, which brought them fortunes of qualifying for the final rounds, but with “lukewarm” performances with the bat and ball, they both respectively joined the party as spectators eventually much to the disappointment of their home supporters.
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #4– September-October 2017