JCA’s T10 tourney starts today

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and Dream11 will bowl off the Jamaica T10 Blast competition with the Middlesex Titans taking on the Surrey Kings in the first match of a double-header at Sabina Park today at 10:45 a.m.

The Cornwall Warriors face the Surrey Risers at 1:30 p.m.

The six-team tournament, which will feature 33 matches over 17 days, also includes the Surrey Royals and the Middlesex United Stars.

Several Jamaican West Indies players will be on show as far as India (where Dream11 is based) and the subcontinent, as the matches will be streamed live on the JCA social-media platforms.

West Indies Test opener and Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell will lead the Middlesex United Stars with national left-hander Alwyn Williams and off-spinner Damani Sewell.

West Indies middle-order batsman Jermaine Blackwood will lead the Surrey Kings which will also feature Jamaica Scorpions opener Kennar Lewis and batsman Andre McCarthy.

T20 opener Brandon King will captain the Surrey Royals, with national pacer Nicholson Gordon and rookie national opener Leroy Lugg expected to showcase their talent.

West Indies wicketkeeper batsman Chadwick Walton will lead the Surrey Risers team with West Indies fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas in their line-up.

The Middlesex Titans will have former West Indies T20 player Krishmar Santokie as their captain, national off-spinner Jamie Merchant, and batsman Tristan Coleman in their team.

The Cornwall Warriors will round out the six-team competition with national players Marquino Mindley, Derval Green, and Paul Palmer Jr leading their charge.

JCA Chief Executive Officer Courtney Francis says the competition is important as it is a restart of cricket at the national level in Jamaica since the pandemic.

"We have tried to have this tournament last year but due to the pandemic, we had to reschedule," Francis said. "Now that we have gotten the go-ahead, we are using this competition to kick-start our white-ball programme. Right after this competition, we will be having our 50-over tournament."

The winner claims a prize of US$4,000 (J$625,000) with the runners-up pocketing US$2,000 (J$312,500). Spectators will be able to watch all 33 matches free of cost from the George Headley stand at Sabina Park.