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Vincy Premier League set to begin on May 22nd

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BY KAYLA KARIM

As many countries are still under lockdown, cricket fans across the globe have been waiting to see live action of their favourite stars since March. However, they will not have to wait much longer for a competitive cricket match. The Vincy Premier T10 League will resume on May 22nd, 2020. At the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, the VPL will be open for fans since the government in West Indies has not enforced any strict regulations with less than twenty Coronavirus cases in St Vincent and the Grenadines. To limit the potential spread of the virus, the ICC has proposed a ban in which the players will be unable to use saliva for shining the ball.

Kishore Shallow, president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGA) said, “No player would be allowed to use any saliva on the ball,” he said. “Of course, we will be having different dedicated, assigned spaces around the players’ pavilion for teams so that they are not necessarily crowded together. All teams would have their own space where they could practise physical distancing.”

Kishore Shallow put together the VPL in the last two weeks after sources at ESPNcricinfo reported that Dream 11, an Indian-based sports technology company, approached him. He then alerted the Cricket West Indies, where Shallow is the vice president, and sent in a formal request asking for the VPL to be sanctioned.

“We have formally written to CWI. And I expect to get a positive response from them soon,” Shallow told ESPNcricinfo.

According to Shallow, there were a total of eighteen positive cases of COVID-19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines as of last week, ten of which has successfully recovered. Shallow then encouraged the local government and ministry of health that the players would not be “exposed to the public” and all necessary precautions as advised by the government will be followed. Shallow said that the government “endorsed” the tournament and ensured that in addition to having additional short breaks, players would be asked to use hand sanitizers.

There are “no formal limitations in terms of social gatherings” that were imposed by the local government, according to Shallow however he is still asking spectators to do their part and social distance on their own.

A total of 72 players were picked by the six franchises via the draft that commenced on May 11th, 2020. Thirty matches will be played, with three games scheduled per day – which will all be streamed live. Six marquee players including three West Indies players – Kesrick Williams, Sunil Ambris and Obed McCoy.

Matches have been arranged for an unusual time, being 8:30am local time and go on to 2pm so that they are able to capture the Indian audience where Dream 11 has its wide user base. With the uncommon times, Shallow does not anticipate massive crowds at the matches. The line-up of the teams are:

  • Botanic Gardens Rangers – Kesrick Williams (marquee); Nixon Mclean (coach)
  • Grenadines Divers – Obed McCoy (marquee); Ian Allen(coach)
  • Salt Pond Breakers – Sunil Ambris (marquee); Olanzo Jackson (coach)
  • La Soufriere Hikers – Desron Maloney (marquee); Irvin Warrican (coach)
  • Dark View Explorers – Lindon James (marquee); Bertram Stapleton (coach)
  • Fort Charlotte Strikers – Keron Cottoy (marquee); Kenroy Martin (coach)

As one of our youngest journalists, Kayla Karim continues to display growth in her reporting and writing. Kayla has worked as a Production Assistant at CBC, and has joined Toronto Caribbean Newspaper with a joy for sports writing. As our Sports writer, Kayla keeps fans in touch with their favorite Caribbean sports and teams. With television providing immediate coverage, in-depth reporting is expected from today’s sportswriters, and Kayla has a knack for not only writing about what happens in the game, but the reasons teams succeed or fail.

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Aryna Sabalenka: A tennis powerhouse and her historic 2024 Wuhan Open victory

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Credits: Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

In the world of tennis, many players have made a significant impact, one of them being Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarus tennis player is known for her explosive game and aggressive style of play

Sabalenka has become a dominant force on the WTA, always ready for a challenge. Her recent triumph at the 2024 Wuhan Open has further solidified her status as an elite player, adding yet another milestone to her career.

She began playing tennis at a young age, quickly showing promise, and turning professional at the age of twenty-seven in 2015. It wasn’t until 2017 that she truly began to gain recognition when she helped Belarus reach the Fed Cup final. In that year, she also reached the top hundred in the WTA rankings.

Her breakout season came in 2018 when Sabalenka captured her very first WTA title in New Haven, followed by a premier-level victory at the Wuhan Open. By the end of 2018, Sabalenka ranked number eleven, establishing herself as one of tennis’s rising stars.

Over the years, Sabalenka has continued to build on her success, winning several WTA titles and Grand Slam titles. While Sabalenka was successful in regular tour events, she struggled to proceed further in Grand Slam tournaments early in her career.

The 2023 Australian Open marked a significant milestone in Sabalenka’s career when she captured her very first Grand Slam singles title. Her victory highlighted the years of hard work and perseverance, as she defeated some of the best players in the world.

That same year, Sabalenka moved up to the number one spot in the WTA ranking for the first time, briefly dethroning her rival, Iga Świątek. By the end of the season, Sabalenka had firmly established herself as one of the most consistent and dangerous players on tour.

Sabalenka’s dominance continued in 2024, with her most recent achievement coming at the Wuhan Open, a tournament that has become synonymous with her success. In October 2024, Sabalenka secured her third consecutive Wuhan Open title with a hard-fought victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen. The win not only added to her growing collection of trophies but also extended her unbeaten record at the tournament to an astonishing 17-0.

The final, which saw Sabalenka defeat Zheng 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, was a testament to her resilience. After losing focus and allowing Zheng to push the match to a deciding set, Sabalenka regrouped and powered her way to victory. “I felt like I just lost a little bit of focus and I let her come back in the match,” Sabalenka reflected after the win. “It became a three-set match. Balls are getting heavier, it’s the third set, a bit emotional.”

Her victory at the 2024 Wuhan Open marked her second WTA 1000 title of the year and her seventh overall. More significantly, it highlighted her dominance in China, where she has won five of her seventeen career titles. Sabalenka now holds the record for the most titles won in China during the Open Era, further cementing her legacy.

As of late 2024, Sabalenka has already claimed four titles this season, including the Australian Open and the US Open. Her Wuhan Open victory only strengthens her case as one of the premier players of this generation. With her sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 ranking from Iga Świątek, whom she trails by only 69 points, Sabalenka is poised to continue her ascent.

Looking ahead, Aryna Sabalenka’s blend of power, athleticism, and relentless determination makes her a formidable opponent on any surface. As she continues to refine her game and improve her mental toughness, Sabalenka is well-positioned to add more Grand Slam titles to her name and further establish herself as one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis.

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End of an era: Dwayne Bravo announces his retirement from cricket

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Credits: Getty/ICC

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

Dwayne Bravo announces his retirement from cricket after a twenty-one-year-long career as a professional cricket player. The forty-one-year-old recently announced on Instagram that he is departing from cricket.

Bravo shares his difficult decision. “Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer – it’s been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows. Most importantly, I was able to live my dream, because I gave at every step. As much as I’d love to continue this relationship, it’s time to face reality. My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure: the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain. I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down: my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent.”

“So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell. To my fans, I want to say a massive THANK YOU for your unwavering love and support throughout the years. To all my fans across the Caribbean, worldwide, and especially in Trinidad & Tobago – thank you for standing by me, especially in these recent weeks.”

I am sure you are wondering who Dwayne Bravo is and why he is so important in cricket. Let’s take a dive into Bravo’s career and his accomplishments. Bravo made his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados in 2002 when he was just nineteen years old.

In 2003-2004, he made his international debut when England was touring West Indies. Unfortunately, he was not able to bat but was able to take 2-31 when bowling.

Throughout his career, Bravo has faced many injuries, a few being in the early parts of his career. He injured himself in early 2006 during the West Indies tour of New Zealand, where he strained his left side at the start of the tour and was unable to bowl. Bravo still preceded to play as a specialist batsman. His decision showed how far he had come as a cricket player in the previous two years, and demonstrated how much of a crucial player he had become to the West Indies team.

Bravo proves his resilience as he comes back from major losses. After a disappointing series in India. Bravo returned to the top in the ICC Champions 2006, when he took seven wickets at an average of 27.57 and scored one-hundred and sixty-four runs with an average of forty-one.

Bravo has played a total of seven World Cups in his career, from 2007-2019. Not only has he played on the West Indies team, but also has played on IPL teams such as Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and the Gujarat Lions.

On January 31st, 2015, Bravo announced his retirement from Test cricket. A few years later, in October of 2018, he publicized his retirement from international cricket as a whole but mentioned that he would continue playing franchise cricket.

Then in November of 2021, Bravo retired from international cricket and played his last T20I match against Australia at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. He continued to play league cricket across the globe and finally announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on the 27th of September 2024.

Bravo ended his career with a total of six hundred and thirty-one wickets from five hundred and eight-two T20 appearances, second only to fellow West Indian, Kieron Pollard. Bravo has retired as one of the most decorated players in CPL history.

With five titles in his name, including three with the Trinbaga Knight Riders. He led Trinbaga Knight Riders to back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2017, before guiding the St.Kitts and Nevis Patriots to their maiden title back in 2021.

As Bravo steps away from the sport, his absence will be deeply felt. However, his legacy will undoubtedly live on, not only through his remarkable achievements but also through his passion for cricket, which inspired countless young players to follow in his footsteps.

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The road to the Super Bowl has begun, and it is going to be an unforgettable ride

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BY KRISHNA MISTRY

The NFL season has started, and you know what that means: thrilling games, intense rivalries, fantasy football drama, and endless debates about which team has what it takes to make a run for the Super Bowl! After a long offseason of trades, draft picks, and preparation, the teams are ready to battle it out at the playoffs, and ultimately at the Super Bowl.

For those unfamiliar, the NFL stands for the National Football League, the premier professional American football league. It consists of 32 teams, all of which kicked off their season on September 5th, 2024, with the season running until February 9th, 2025. With so many teams vying for the ultimate prize, let’s break down what to expect during this action-packed season.

The offseason was full of dramatic roster changes, with many teams making trades, or free agent signing to improve their chances in the upcoming season. The biggest highlight was Aaron Rodgers leaving the Green Bay Packers and joining the New York Jets. Several other star players switched teams, and these moves will definitely shape the course of this season.

Keep an eye on players adjusting to their new teams, such as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins with the Tennessee Titans and running back Dalvin Cook now teaming up with the New York Jets.

As much as fans love high-scoring games, the defense still wins championships, and many teams have built strong units to stop the most lethal offences. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills all possess top-tier defenses that could be a factor in their playoff season. Keep an eye out for game-changing plays from defensive units. Sacks, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns could determine which teams rise to the top this year.

Several players will be making their return to the field after their shortened 2023 season due to injuries. Players like Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, ready to lead his team into the playoffs. Additionally, with the return of Breece Hall to the Jets and Javonte Williams to the Broncos Bolsters, both young backs are coming off significant injuries, and their recovery could be a game-changer for their respective teams.

As always, the competition for the playoffs is fierce. The AFC (American Football Conference) is stacked with powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills, all led by elite quarterbacks.

In the NFC (National Football Conference), the Philadelphia Eagles enter as favorites to win the conference again, but teams like the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions are all eager to challenge their reign. As the season progresses, every win counts and teams will fight for those crucial spots, knowing that a trip to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII is the ultimate goal.

No NFL season is complete without fantasy football enthusiasts tracking every yard, touchdown, and reception. With so much unpredictability in trades, injuries, and emerging stars, this season promises plenty of fantasy surprises.

Fans will be glued to their screens, tracking every stat, waiver wire pickup, and injury report to gain an edge in their leagues, making every Sunday all the more intense.

With blockbuster trades, the rise of young stars, and fierce competition across divisions, every game will matter as teams chase the ultimate prize—Super Bowl glory. So get your jerseys ready, your fantasy lineups set, and clear your schedule for those must-watch games.

The NFL season is back, and it’s sure to be filled with incredible moments, jaw-dropping plays, and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, or from your couch, this season will deliver the passion and excitement we’ve all been waiting for. So get ready for the highs, the lows, and everything in between. The road to the Super Bowl has begun, and it’s going to be an unforgettable ride.

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