Briefs

WI quartet retained by MLC franchises

SAN FRANCISCO, United States:

West Indies T20 big hitters Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell, along with former players Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, have all been retained by their respective Major League Cricket (MLC) franchises.

However, Akeal Hosein, the number one ranked T20 bowler in the world, has been released by defending champions Washington Freedom, and will be available to any team in the upcoming February 19 draft.

After a sensational 2024 where he scored the most runs in a calendar year in T20 cricket, Pooran was retained by MI New York along with Pollard, while Narine and Russell were retained by the LA Knight Riders.

Pooran helped lead MI New York to the title in the tournament's inaugural year in 2023, but they were eliminated in the playoffs by the Texas Super Kings in last year's competition.

Pollard, Narine and Russell all endured a tough tournament in 2024.

Pollard scored just 63 runs in seven innings at an average of 12.60, Russell made just 129 runs and picked up two wickets in his six matches, while Narine scored 80 runs in 11 innings at an average of 4.50 and took five wickets at an economy rate of 6.20 in six innings.

-CMC

Campbelle to lead Guyana Women

GEORGETOWN, Guyana:

West Indies wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle has been selected to captain Guyana in the upcoming CG United Women's Super50 Cup.

The 31-year-old Campbelle will have her West Indies teammate Ashmini Munisar as her vice-captain for the tournament which bowls off in St Kitts from February 24 to March 4.

Campbelle will lead a strong 14-member Guyana squad that includes Mandy Mangru, Shabika Gajnabi and Cherry-Ann Fraser, who along with Munisar featured in the recently concluded home series against Bangladesh.

Guyana will be hoping to improve on their second-place finish in last year's tournament, where they were runners up behind Jamaica.

Clive Grimmond has been appointed head coach, while former Guyana and West Indies player Tremayne Smartt is the manager.

GUYANA SQUAD: Mandy Mangru, Realeanna Grimmond, Katana Mentore, Shemaine Campbelle (c), Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Ashmini Munisar (vc), Yonette Welcome, Plaffiana Millington, Niya Latchman, Kaysia Schultz, Tricia Hardat, Lauren Williams, Shenetta Grimmond.

Nixon replaces 'Shiv' as Falcons' head coach

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:

The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have named Paul Nixon as their new head coach for the 2025 season of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Nixon, a former England wicketkeeper, replaces former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was head coach during the 2024 tournament.

The 54-year-old has held several head coaching positions around the world and previously coached the Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL.

"It is a great honour to accept the invitation to serve as head coach for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons this year," said Nixon.

"The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a wonderful competition that has significantly benefited West Indian cricket. The CPL's vibrant atmosphere, star-studded lineups, and high-quality entertainment have captivated audiences and sparked a renewed enthusiasm for the sport," Nixon said in a statement.

"Having achieved success with Jamaica previously, I eagerly anticipate a successful 2025 campaign, supported by great players and a first-class support staff."

-CMC