INITIALLY BAJANS had a difficulty understanding why a Trinidadian was chosen to be captain of the Barbados Tridents.
After heated debate, they eventually embraced Kieron Pollard when the concept of a franchise was explained. It wasn’t mandatory to have a Bajan skipper because the franchise was based here. Educated, but passive in temperament as we are, we were happy to toe the line.
We supported the cause passionately and showed that we endorsed the project fully with our overwhelming support. Spectatorship was comparable and in many cases surpassed that in other countries.
Powerful tool
Marketing and promotional strategies also made us feel as though we had ownership in the team and the synergy between player and spectator was instrumental in the Tridents winning the second competition in 2014. The chemistry was a powerful tool in overcoming the opposition.
This formula worked again last year even though they lost the final to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel [now Trinbago Knight Riders]. Disappointed with the outcome, yes, but there was no bitterness among Bajans. It was accepted that you win some and lose some.
This year there is a division in the support vibe for the Tridents. It has arisen because fans aren’t happy that generally only one Bajan has been in the starting line-up in the competition. Previously, there were enough to keep everybody happy and they were in the team on merit.
I, too, believe in the concept of playing what is regarded as your best 11, but we must also be pragmatic to realise that fans will become upset if it appears that the majority of home-based players are being overlooked consistently.
Expect something different
Team management might be forgiven if the majority of the locals are left out when the franchise is on the road, but supporters expect something different when they play at home. It is only natural, and it makes good marketing sense to have it this way, because while they have the best intentions for the team as a whole, they want to identify with their own players and this will automatically boost ticket sales.
The importance of the 12th man in these circumstances should never be underestimated and it becomes counterproductive when wholehearted, unconditional support turns lukewarm or even frigid.
In times of need they will have no interest in lending moral support but would rather make a case for one of their favourites to be in the 11 and attribute a defeat to his exclusion. The blame game is human nature and par for the course in losing causes.
Then, it is inevitable, as in our situation, to make comparisons with the playing time of homegrown players in the other franchises. Bajans see an imbalance which, in their minds, strengthens their case.
I am willing to concede that with the expansion of the league and as more world stars join the ranks, it will become more competitive for places.
What, though, is wrong with a voluntary rotation policy that would not disadvantage certain players or affect the balance of the squad? Plus what is wrong with dropping a star player if he’s not performing to expectations?
What about introducing a quota system to benefit local players because the younger ones need a chance to play among the world’s best to assist with their development?
Want best players
This obviously won’t be exclusive privileges for the Tridents but all of the franchises. We must grow together for the benefit of all.
I am also conscious of the fact that the tournament organisers want the best players to showcase their brand to safeguard their investment and for economic gain from broadcast rights, particularly television, but there should also be a concern if some part of the process becomes unappealing to spectators. Their presence in the stands helps to enhance the performance of the players.
I don’t regard it as insular if Bajans are demanding more locals in a starting 11, especially if the Tridents are being modelled after some of the deep-rooted attributes and principles that have made this little rock such a huge success on the global stage.
• Andi Thornhill is a veteran sports journalist.Â
