BCB To Host First Annual All-Star Classic
The Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] will be hosting the first annual All-Star Classic [T20] on Saturday, September 12th at Somerset Bridge Recreation Club [White Hill Field].
A spokesperson said, “The intent of the All-Star Classic is to highlight the elite players in our leagues & promote community spirit.
“The All-Star Classic will see the First & Premier Divisions, compete as a BCB President’s & V. President’s XI in their respective divisions.
“The Players and coaching staff will be selected by the BCB National Team Selection Committee, led by Mr. Dwayne Leverock.
“As we look forward to facilitating our first Annual All-Star Classic, we wish to highlight the following reasons for the event, as it will provide:
- The national team coaches a chance to see 52 players & 4 coaches compete as the Best vs. Best of the 2020 season
- Add an exciting format to our cricket calendar and have players aspire to do their best each week going forward
- Offer a fun and competitive event to the community, showing that all clubs can work together and that there is unity in our sport
- Provide BCUA umpires with the opportunity to officiate at a high level domestic event
“All Matches will be played at 11:00am and 3:00pm. The announcement of the selected players will be made on Tuesday, September 8th at 1pm via Facebook Live [@BermudaCricketBoard]. The current Covid-19 safety guidelines will remain in place at the host grounds until further notice.”
Peter Philpot, BCB High Performance Chair, said: “As the Chair of the High Performance Committee, we fully support this new initiative. The First Annual All-Star Classic will provide a Best vs. Best based on the 2020 season.
“The long-term effect will see us aim to establish an Emerging Talent Team to create a more efficient introduction to our Senior National Team programmes.”
Steven Douglas, BCB Cricket Committee Chair, added: “As the new Chair, one of my mandates proposed by the committee was to breathe life into our annual competitions. After 10 to 15 years of league, cup and knock-out competitions, the time is right to add an All-Star Classic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has allowed the BCB to think outside of the box and review all of our protocols and mandates. Through the All-Star Classic we will be able to encourage more players to make themselves available for National Team selection, add another fixture into our annual calendar and improve our National Teams at all levels.
“We must begin to play more cricket and extend our season beyond the traditional four months if we wish to remain competitive in the ICC Americas Region and full ICC tournaments.”
