BASSETERRE – St Kitts will host the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 tournament this year.
Organisers announced on Tuesday that all 33 matches in the tournament would be played from August 28 in the island under a format similar to last year’s version, which was contested in Trinidad.
“We are delighted to be able to announce that we will be having the CPL in St Kitts in 2021 and we would like to thank those involved in welcoming the tournament to this wonderful country,” CPL chief operations officer, Pete Russell said.
“As was demonstrated during the 2020 tournament, the CPL is a massive boost for the host country…We are really looking forward to giving St Kitts the exposure they deserve.”
Organisers said St Kitts had no COVID-19 transmission and was one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean and they would work closely with their medical advisors, local agencies and the St Kitts & Nevis government to ensure the health and safety of all those involved in the tournament, as well as the local population.
St Kitts & Nevis Minister of Sport, Jonel Powell, said the tournament was forecast to bring significant economic gains.
“We are greatly confident that the hosting of the CPL in St Kitts in 2021 will stimulate much-needed economic activity, especially for small and medium-sized local businesses,” he said.
“As it relates to COVID-19, we will maintain our vigilance to ensure that our health protocols are not compromised and that the country remains protected from any serious spread of the coronavirus.
“It will most certainly help to revive the tourism sector that has been struggling for over a year, under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This year’s CPL will hold extra significance. It will be taking place in the lead up to the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, and it will provide an opportunity for West Indies and overseas players to push for selection to their international teams. (AR)
