HURRICANE Beryl has swept through the eastern Caribbean, causing widespread destruction in Tobago, Carriacou, St Vincent, and the Grenadines. Trinidad was also affected by the powerful storm. The category four hurricane forced the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men and Women’s Under-19 Championships to be put on hold. As the tournament was set to begin on July 2, the impact of the storm on flights across the region has left the cricket community in uncertainty.
With flights being cancelled and airports struggling to resume normal operations, teams from different islands have faced challenges in reaching the tournament venues. The TT under-19 men’s team, for example, was unable to depart for St Vincent as planned. Caribbean Airlines suspended international flights, adding to the logistical headaches for the cricket boards and teams involved.
Similarly, the TT under-19 women’s team is awaiting further updates on the status of the tournament. Despite a successful tri-series against Barbados and the Windward Islands, the team’s preparations have been disrupted by the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Teams from Barbados and the Windward Islands are already in TT, but the full participation of all teams remains uncertain.
As the Caribbean nations struggle to recover from the hurricane’s impact, cricket authorities are working to reschedule the championship games. With the defending champions, the TT under-19 women’s team, eager to retain their title, the stakes are high for a successful tournament once normalcy is restored.
For the young cricketers looking to showcase their talent and compete at the regional level, the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the new start date for the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Championships add an element of drama to the competition. As the teams await further instructions and updates, the spirit of resilience and sportsmanship remains strong in the face of natural disasters.
