– Advertisement –
By Samuel Peters
Dario Barthley, CEO of Cool and Smooth Sports, has reaffirmed his commitment to youth cricket development while hinting at the potential return of two popular domestic tournaments to Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking during a recent radio interview alongside young cricketers Mekaili Tonge and Xaveek Toppin, who recently competed at the World Junior League in the UAE, Barthley emphasized the critical importance of creating platforms for young talent.
When asked whether the region plays enough cricket at the youth level, Barthley was direct: “Definitely not at that age group. Generally, we don’t play enough cricket. I think that it comes down to resources, but you can get more resources when you plan properly and early.”
The most anticipated part of Barthley’s interview concerned the potential return of the Cool and Smooth T20 and the Joma Caribbean T10 tournaments.
“We’re always attempting to bring it back. We think that it’s a good tournament. We think that it profits the youth in the country and the entire structure of cricket, not only in the country but in the Leewards,” Barthley said about the Cool and Smooth T20. Empire Nation won the last edition back in 2023 for the first time when they beat favourites Liberta Blackhawks, thanks to 16-year-old Micah McKenzie’s heroics.
Regarding the Joma Caribbean T10, he confirmed: “Once the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association is open, they can find the space in their calendar and they think that it will be valuable to the cricket structure, then we’re willing to have any tournament.”
The return of these tournaments would provide crucial playing opportunities and help identify and develop talent across the Leeward Islands.
It was these two tournaments back in April and May of 2023 that shone the light on current youth cricket stars: West Indies wicketkeeper batsman Jewel Andrew and St Lucia Kings McKenzie.
“It’s always been our mandate at Cool and Smooth Sports to try to provide opportunities,” Barthley stated. “We’ll continue to work with outside entities such as the World Junior League and others to make those opportunities available.”
As cricket continues to evolve globally, Barthley’s commitment to youth development and local cricket infrastructure remains unwavering. The potential return of the Cool and Smooth T20 and Joma Caribbean T10 tournaments would provide the very opportunities that Barthley believes are essential for the next generation of Caribbean cricket stars.
For now, the cricket community waits hopefully for calendar space to open up and for these valuable tournaments to resume their place in the local cricket network.
About The Author
– Advertisement –
