JOFRA ARCHER celebrating his first One-Day International wicket, against Ireland recently.
(Internet
THE MOST TALKED ABOUT CRICKETER in recent weeks is offering his services to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Barbadian fast bowling all-rounder Jofra Archer, the subject of much discussion over several calls for him to be included in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, is among a record number of 536 players whose names are on a list for next week’s CPL draft in London.
It is the first time in the draft for the 24-yearold Archer, who has risen to prominence in recent years following outstanding performances for Sussex on the English county circuit and more recently in the Indian Premier League
and Australia’s Big Bash.
The draft will be held next Wednesday, one day before the deadline for teams to announce their final squads for the 2019 World Cup, which will be played in England from May 30 to July 14.
Archer, whose father was born in England, was not included in a preliminary 15-man squad for the World Cup, but since the announcement, several observers have made a case for his selection, including former England players, captain Michael Vaughan and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.
In announcing the list of players who have made themselves available for the CPL draft, organisers said yesterday they were encouraged by the record number of players from 20 countries.
“The fact that so many players have registered for our draft is a testament to the stature of our league,” said CPL tournament operations director Michael Hall.
“Playing cricket in the Caribbean is something that all players look forward to, and the CPL combines that allure with a high standard of cricket. We expect that this year’s tournament will be no different.”
In addition to Archer, other big names in the draft include Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, Bangladesh’s Shakib al Hasan, South Africa’s J.P. Duminy, England’s Alex Hales, along with West Indians Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope.
Prior to the draft, each franchise will have the option to retain and/or acquire a maximum of six players, although there is no obligation to do so.
A franchise can potentially retain a minimum of three West Indian players or a maximum of four, one overseas player (reduced to none if four West Indians are retained), a marquee player whether retained or acquired and an ICC Americas player, whether retained or acquired.
Close to 30 Barbadians have signed up for the draft, including 11 who have previously played in the CPL – Carlos Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse, Roshon Primus, Javon Searles and Dwayne Smith.
Several Barbadians who have never played in the league have also thrown their hat in the ring. They include Joshua Bishop, David Carter, Shakeem Clarke, Pius Emilien, Rachad Forde, Brian Gooding, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Alcindo Holder, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, Shayne Moseley, Kirk Thompson, Tevyn Walcott, Jomel Warrican and Kenroy Williams.
The absence of Jason Holder’s name from the list of players for the draft fuels speculation that the West Indies Test and One-Day International captain will be announced as the marquee player for Barbados Tridents.
The Tridents are set to announce their marquee player in a breakfast press conference on Saturday morning at Café 195 in Dome Mall, Warrens.
(HG)
image)
