The Jamaica Titans are set to take on Leeward Islands Thunder in their opening match of the newly launched West Indies Breakout League, which will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
Running from April 25 to May 10, the newly launched T20 competition is designed to spotlight emerging cricket talent from across the Caribbean and will feature teams representing the six territorial boards of Cricket West Indies: Barbados Pelicans, Guyana Rainforest Rangers, Jamaica Titans, Leeward Islands Thunder, Trinidad & Tobago Legions, and Windward Islands Infernos facing off in 17 thrilling matches.
In keeping with the league’s mission to highlight emerging talent, the eligibility criteria for players are strict. All selected players must have limited professional experience, having participated in fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and fewer than 10 international T20s. Additionally, each franchise was allowed to select two players from outside their home territory and were allowed to retain seven cricketers, with a cap of three players aged between 27 and 29.
The Jamaica Titans squad includes a promising mix of young talent and experienced players. Seven teenagers have been selected, including Brian Barnes (19), Jordan Johnson (19), Tamarie Redwood (18), Reon Edwards (18), Andrew Rambaran (19), Zion Brathwaithe (19), and Govasta Edmond (18). Joining them is 21-year-old Anthony Dacres, one of the younger players with some professional experience.
Completing the line-up for the Titans are Leroy Lugg (28), Ramaal Lewis (28), Jeavor Royal (26), Kirk McKenzie (24), Michael Clarke (25), and Deethmar Anderson (29) who is the oldest in the team.
The inaugural competition gets underway with the first match between Guyana Rainforest Rangers and Windward Islands Infernos, with the Titans facing the Thunder a day later on April 26. The Titans will then play Guyana Rainforest Rangers on April 29 before meeting T&T Legions on April 30.
Their remaining fixtures includes matches against Barbados Pelicans on May 2, and Windward Islands Infernos on May 6. The top team will qualify for the final while the 2nd and 3rd placed teams will meet in a playoff on May 9 for the right to advance to the May 10 title decider.
Each team is closely affiliated with a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise, providing players with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage and progress their cricketing careers.
