Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts, hosted a courtesy call with Mr. Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), underscoring a strengthened collaboration to advance cricket and youth development across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider West Indies. Also, in attendance were Mr. Jason Williams, CEO of SporTT, and Mr. Colin Borde, Manager of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), reflecting a unified approach across government, league, and franchise stakeholders.
Talks centred on the tournament’s role in reigniting passion for West Indies cricket, accelerating regional player development, and creating durable pathways for youth through joint programmes with the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. Mr. Russell reiterated his vision to leverage the CPL’s platform to uplift West Indies cricket, while Minister Watts outlined plans to align sport tourism and grassroots-to-academy cricket development for long-term impact.
Minister Watts emphasised a fast-tracked sport tourism agenda alongside integrated youth development, “from school straight up to academy stage”, to produce measurable performance outcomes and broaden opportunities for emerging talent. This approach complements ongoing national efforts to convert marquee events into sustainable benefits for local athletes, coaches, and communities.”
The engagement coincides with a pivotal stretch of the CPL season for Trinidad and Tobago, as the Trinbago Knight Riders continue their thrilling home stand at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, inviting fans to tune in for world-class action and unforgettable moments.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs reaffirms its commitment to elevating sport, deepening strategic partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of sporting legends across Trinidad and Tobago. Through collaboration with the CPL and national stakeholders, the Ministry aims to expand youth engagement and create sustainable opportunities that strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem.
