High performance team to play in WICB tournament

A team representing the Sagicor High Performance Centre (HPC) will compete with the national sides in the WICB's domestic 50-over competition, which begins on October 14 in Jamaica. The 11-day tournament will be played at three venues - Sabina Park, Trelawny Stadium and Chedwin Park. The final is on October 24, with the winner standing to gain $10,000 and the losing team $4000.

"The inclusion of the Sagicor HPC team [in the tournament] is a demonstrable commitment by the board to the sustained development of young regional players," Ernest Hilaire, WICB's chief executive, said. "This superb opportunity for the team will allow them to compete in a seriously competitive 50-over tournament against tough teams comprising highly experienced international and regional players."

The HPC was opened in Barbados in June as part of the board's plan to improve West Indies cricket. Fifteen players between the ages of 19 and 27 were selected to spend three months at the state-of-the-art centre. The HPC team recently concluded a tour to Canada.

As part of the new selection criteria, players seeking West Indies ODI selection will have to make themselves available for participation in the regional tournament. The eight competing teams were divided into two groups:

Group A
Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands, Combined Campuses & Colleges

Group B
Barbados, Guyana, Leeward Islands, Sagicor HPC