CCC players plead to remain in WICB competitions

Recent media reports about the impending exclusion of the Combined Colleges and Campuses Team from any West Indies Cricket Board competitions has been understandably met with dismay by the young players.

On Tuesday at a media conference streamed live throughout the Caribbean, CCC players pleaded with the WICB to allow them to remain in the upcoming competitions.

Last week in a report from the CMC, WICB CEO, Michael Muirhead, stated that while no decision has yet been taken, the CCC will likely be excluded from WICB tournaments.

CCC Captain, Kyle Hope, noted that they were very distraught at the thought of the CCC being excluded from the regional cricket competitions. Hope made the point that since its inception, the CCC has afforded young players from throughout the Caribbean, the opportunity to further their studies while still being able to play first-class cricket.

“We continue to develop our skills and talents while still pursuing our various degrees. This can be very overwhelming at times, but we remain committed to rising above the challenge. We understand that this is the vision of Sir Frank Worrell and we are custodians of his vision. There is no doubt that the addition of the CCC in regional competition has benefited West Indies Cricket,” he said.

Hope noted that many of the players in the CCC have experienced what it was like to not be chosen to represent their respective countries in the WICB competitions, despite being very talented. He maintained that it was through the CCC set-up that players such as Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite and Chadwick Walton were able to not only finally gain selection to their national teams, but were also able to find places in the senior West Indies Team.

“We are humbly asking the West Indies Cricket Board to apply great insight and vision in the review of our participation in the 50-Over and Four-Day Competitions. This will enable us to continue our objective of re-building West Indies cricket standards, on and off the field, and producing young talent for the West Indies,” said Hope.

Whether the CCC will be allowed to compete in WICB tournaments will be determined on Saturday, December 7, when the WICB’s board meets. (PG)