By Robertson Henry
KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES; WEDNESDAY 10, 2024: Hosts the Windward Islands led by captain Stephan Pascal, take on defending champions Jamaica at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground from 09:30 a.m. tomorrow Thursday July 11, 2024, as Cricket West Indies 2024 Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 2-day cricket tournament bowls off at three venues in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The other two matches which begin tomorrow are the Leeward Islands versus Guyana at the Parkhill Playing Field, and Barbados versus Trinidad and Tobago at the Sion Hill Playing Field.
The 2024 Men’s Under-19 Championship, initially set to commence on July 2, with a three-day competition preceding a 50-over tournament, was forced to undergo significant changes due to Hurricane Beryl’s passage on Monday July 01, 2024.
The category 4 hurricane affected regions including host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, necessitating a delay and a subsequent alteration in the tournament’s format.
The tournament updated format will feature four rounds of two-day matches and five rounds of 50-over matches. Despite these modifications, the tournament will still conclude on July 31 as initially planned, ensuring teams have a balance of match time to develop their skills and adequate time for recovery between matches.
Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, stated, “Following an assessment by our Cricket Department, I am pleased to confirm that the pitches and outfields are in excellent condition. Additionally, electricity and water services have been fully restored at all venues and accommodation facilities.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the quick and efficient reorganization of the championship. Your dedication has ensured we can proceed as planned. I also commend the players for their patience and understanding during this period.”
Stephan Pascal batting against Jamaica in last year’s edition at the Cumberland Playing Field (photo by Robertson S. Henry)
