Sunday 13th July 2014 – St. George’s, Grenada: West Indies cricketing knights, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Viv Richards, have today confirmed their long-term support for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, after being appointed to the Senior Management Team. Sir Viv has been appointed as Performance Director, and Sir Garfield assumes the role of CPL Brand Ambassador.
From left to right: Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, CPL Brand Ambassador, Sir Garfield Sobers, CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, CPL Performance Director, Sir Viv Richards, CPL COO, Pete Russell.
Sir Garfield and Sir Viv are widely regarded as two of the greatest cricketers of all time, and their support speaks volumes for the success of the CPL, which began its second season with a thrilling opening weekend in Grenada, which saw wins for Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Red Steel, and the Jamaica Tallawahs, for whom, Chris Gayle scored the first ever CPL century. Dubbed ‘The Biggest Party in Sport’, CPL thrilled sell-out crowds across the Caribbean in 2013. The tournament is set to be even bigger and better this year, with global stars including Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, Kevin Pietersen, Sunil Narine, Shoaib Malik and Marlon Samuels among the world class cricketers on show.
Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said: “The support of these two giants of the game is a ringing endorsement for the CPL. The opening weekend showed we’re going from strength to strength, and we will benefit hugely from the vast cricketing expertise that Sir Viv and Sir Garfield will bring.”
Sir Garfield Sobers, CPL Brand Ambassador, said: “I’m proud to be associated with the CPL, ahead of what promises to be a thrilling 2014 tournament. The CPL has been absolutely fantastic for cricket in the Caribbean, and this year’s tournament looks set to win even more fans across the region, and around the world.”
Sir Viv Richards, Performance Director, CPL said: “I’ve seen first hand the benefits the CPL has had on the Caribbean. Up and coming youngsters get the chance to play with and against some of the best players in the world, and the next generation of cricketers can cheer on their heroes in packed stadiums. 2014 is going to be even bigger and better than last year, so the future is bright for the CPL.”
The Limacol Caribbean Premier League runs from 11th July to 16th August, with 30 matches taking place over 37 days. In addition, the final week of the tournament, in St. Kitts and Nevis, will host Beefy’s Bash, an all-star charity match featuring Sir Ian Botham, Brian Lara and Piers Morgan, as well as a concert by hip-hop megastar, Rick Ross.