Barbados face St. Lucia in CPL T20 opener

Bridgetown (Barbados), May 11 (IANS): Organisers have released the schedule of matches for the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to be played in July and August. Barbados take on St. Lucia in the tournament opener July 30.

The new tournament featuring matches in six franchise countries kicks-off in Barbados July 30 with an opening ceremony followed by the Barbados vs St Lucia match.

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago will all host matches to be played on various days throughout the four week period.

Sundays through the tournament will feature a doubleheader with matches taking place at 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

A CPL statement released Friday says fairness to franchise countries and opportunities for exciting matches were the main considerations in compiling the schedule.

“In addition, the fixtures had to work logistically in terms of elements such as travel for the teams and CPL staff and the transfer of TV equipment and crew from venue to venue,” the statement said.

“The result is a schedule that is workable and one where all teams will play three home games, three away games and one game in a neutral franchise country, for example Antigua vs. Jamaica in Guyana,” the statement added.

The 2014 and 2015 CPL will take place from July 5 to Aug 10 and June 21 to July 26 respectively.

The CPL is soon to announce details for the players draft event and confirmation of which teams the franchise players will be assigned to.