Players from as far as Australia will be among competitors in Barbados for the annual Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament which bowls off next Monday.
Tournament director Winston Carter revealed at a media launch on Wednesday, at the offices of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) – a key partner in this the 34th edition of the event – that competitors will also come from Caribbean nations.
“We’ve managed to attract six overseas teams – two from Australia, two from the US, one from Trinidad and Tobago, and one from Guyana. It’s incredible to see such a diverse group of teams, which speaks volumes about the global appeal of our tournament. These teams don’t just bring players; they bring supporters and families, boosting our local economy and tourism,” he said.
“This year’s tournament features 18 teams, split into three groups of six. They’ll compete in a series of matches leading up to the semifinals and playoffs, ensuring a competitive and thrilling event,” Carter added, explaining that matches will be played at various locations across the island.
He said the tournament had come a long way from humble beginnings in 1987, with “fantastic” support from partners.
“And we’re expecting this year’s tournament to exceed all expectations,” Carter added.
The competition is for players under the age of 19 as of August 1 of the tournament year. However, Carter said local Under-17 teams were included “to give them a chance to compete, and they’ve done exceptionally well, holding their own against older teams”.
The tournament director said though the competition has been reduced from the usual three weeks, “our aim remains the same . . . to attract teams from around the world and provide them with a fantastic cricketing experience,” he said.
“The enthusiasm and participation we’ve seen this year is a testament to the tournament’s enduring appeal,” Carter said.
And he expressed his optimism for the future: “We’re opening our doors to Under-19 girls next year. Women’s cricket has seen incredible growth over the past 45 years, and it’s high time we included the ladies in this prestigious event. This is not just a nod to the times, but a giant leap forward for the tournament.”
Meanwhile, BTMI’s Manager of Sports Tourism, Kamal Springer, echoed Carter’s sentiments, sharing a grand vision for the tournament.
“We’ve seen teams from Switzerland, Australia, South Africa, the UK, Canada, the US, Bermuda, and the Caribbean make a mark here. It’s a remarkable achievement, and we’re looking to attract even more teams from across the globe. We want young cricketers from every corner of the world to know that this is their chance to shine on an international stage in Barbados,” he said.
“This isn’t just about cricket; it’s an opportunity to boost our family tourism. We want parents to bring their kids and enjoy all that Barbados has to offer. We’re planning to roll out a full itinerary of activities next year to ensure that everyone has a fantastic time.”
He said the BTMI wanted to tap into emerging cricket markets like Europe and Latin America, and explore Africa’s cricketing nations like Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
“This is more than a tournament; it’s a platform to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones while showcasing Barbados as a premier destination,” he said. “This year, we have 110 visitors from overseas, including players, coaches, and families. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our family tourism products and ensure that parents know they can come with their children to enjoy Barbados. We’re taking steps to make sure they have a full itinerary of activities so they can truly experience the best of our island.”
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