Jamaica Cricket Association

In the recently concluded 2022/23 season of the West Indies Championship, the Scorpions failed to win a single game, finishing last with 25.6 points after recording four losses and a draw in five matches. This was following a fifth-place finish in the 2021-22 season.

The team was especially poor with the bat, scoring the second-lowest amount of runs in total in the season with 1803.

Individually, only two batsmen, Abhijai Mansingh with 248 and Leroy Lugg with 217, scored over 200 runs for the Scorpions. To put it in perspective, Alick Athanaze of the Windward Islands Hurricanes finished as top run-scorer with 647, 182 more runs than Jamaica’s two highest run-scorers combined.

It begs the question, what on earth has happened to the Scorpions batting in the longer format of the game?

“Aggression without proper selection and lack of a desire to bat long are two things that jumped out at me,” Jamaica Cricket Association CEO Courtney Francis told SportsMax.TV.

“The pride of playing for country, I am not seeing it. Even in dialogue with them, I don’t think they have an appreciation for what the sport has done for us as a people,” Francis added.

The Scorpions did start the year well, however, by winning the Regional Super50, their first since 2012 but, as Francis explains, that may have been detrimental to their hopes in the longer format.

“A significant number of the players who played that tournament were unavailable to play the 4-day tournament. We had persons playing at the highest level or playing all over the world,” he said.

“The significant influx of white-ball cricket,” is another reason for Jamaica’s downward spiral in the red-ball game according to Francis.

“If you notice, our players aren’t batting an extended number of overs. Some games are ending with a day to spare,” Francis added.

He went further, analysing a technical flaw he saw throughout the line-up.

“It seems like whenever the ball is bouncing, our batsmen don’t seem to cope with it properly. I am very confident that they would have had enough training. They’ve had the facilities here at Sabina Park and elsewhere,” he said.

Another contributing factor highlighted by Francis is the weakness of the Island’s premier two-day competition, the Senior Cup.

“Our Senior Cup competition is not competitive enough. In the Senior Cup, when certain teams play against certain teams, you might get a competitive game which is commendable but, there are a significant number of instances where games finish within a day and we’re not going anywhere with that. The transition from Senior Cup to first-class is not it,” said Francis before offering up a potential solution to that problem.

“In my view, we need to have a tier higher than the Senior Cup. I’ve recommended that we have the best 60 players in the country playing a four-team competition. You can hold trials to see who can get up there,” Francis added.

Francis then took issue with the complacency of contracted players, noting that their desire to improve seemingly dwindled after being rewarded.

“Persons who are on contracts now seem to not want to work hard enough because the contract is set for one year. If you notice, we have 15 persons on contract and of those 15 persons, maybe 40% of them did not feature in the Super50 and/or the West Indies Championship. That is something for us to take a different look at,” Francis said

“We can understand that persons are contracted from July so people may lose form and others come in for pay-for-play and stuff but that percentage is too high.

As selectors, coaches and administrators we have to come up with a different mechanism to ensure that we do not waste money. If you look at the numbers of a number of the players, we’re not getting a return on our investment” he added before noting that shorter term, incentive-based contracts may be the way forward to return Jamaica to winning ways in the longest format.

Dehring was in Broward County, Florida on Friday, one of the venues for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup to be staged later this year, delivering the keynote address at the 50th anniversary banquet in celebration of Rowe’s epic triple century against England in 1974.

Amongst the West Indies legends present were Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Dr., the Hon. Courtney Walsh O.J., Collis King and Joel “Big Bird” Garner, all former teammates of Rowe, along with Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Rowe was one of several West Indian cricketers who were members of a rebel tour that played matches in then-apartheid South Africa in the early 1980s. Poorly paid and unable to break into a powerful West Indies side, Rowe and others like Collis King, Sylvester Clarke, Colin Croft and Ezra Moseley among others opted to earn between USD$100,000 and US$125,000 to play across two tours from 1982-83 and again from 1983-84. The participants received life bans from Caribbean cricket in 1983 and in many instances, were ostracised socially and professionally.

 Dehring, in saying that it was time for Rowe to be forgiven, also lamented at where the banquet was being held.

“This banquet celebrating 50 years since the herculean triple century by one of Jamaica’s greatest sporting icons, should have been staged in Jamaica with the full and unequivocal support of the Jamaican government, cricket association and people of Jamaica. That it is being held in Florida and not in Jamaica, ironically mirrors the embarrassing fact that the T20 cricket World Cup is also being staged this year in Florida, and not in Jamaica. “Look at what we have come to!” he remarked.

He added further, his disappointment at the mural at Sabina Park celebrating some of Jamaica’s most famous cricketers with Rowe noticeably absent.

“Black South Africans forgave their oppressors years ago through their Truth and Reconciliation process. To see a mural unveiled at Sabina Park honouring 19 of Jamaica’s greatest cricketers, and no Yagga Rowe is as abhorrent to the ground he helped make famous, as it is to the glorious game itself. It is time to end this farce.”

“To put it in perspective,” he continued, “‘Jamaicans still sing, dance and celebrate to Vybz Kartel and Ninjaman music. There is no protest or public outcry when those songs play on the radio or at parties, the works of art of these convicted murderers that our children sing word for word! Yet forty years later, we are trying to erase from history the body of work of a man whose only real crime, if any, was to continue to earn an honest living in his profession, after his employers had let him go, in the only place willing to pay the value his services were worth.

“Other West Indian “rebels” went on to play again for the West Indies, even at Sabina Park, cheered on by my fellow Jamaicans; if Yagga had chosen to rob a bank, he would long have been out of jail. It’s time to let him go. Free Yagga,” the former Jamaica youth batsman concluded.

The initiative which CWI says forms part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The regional body provided 2,685 tickets to students, 412 to teachers, and 198 tickets to players from the Under-15, Under-17 and Uner-19 teams, ensuring these young athletes have the chance to experience top-tier cricket action.

The Schools Ticketing Programme, a central element of this initiative, is designed to immerse young minds in the thrill of cricket, offering them the opportunity to witness international matches and develop a lasting passion for the sport.

CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, underscored the importance of cultivating a strong cricket culture across the region, and this he said reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and sports development.

"We are keen to help revitalize cricket in Jamaica. Introducing the children to cricket is vital for the future of the sport in Jamaica and the entire region. By bringing students to these matches, we are not only providing them with an enjoyable experience but also nurturing an appreciation and love for cricket that can grow with them,” Shallow said.

"This Schools Ticketing Programme initiative is about more than just watching a game; it's about creating a connection with the sport that can inspire future generations,” he added.

Recently-elected Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Dr. Donovan Bennett, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its potential impact.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with CWI for this Schools Ticketing Programme. This initiative promotes cricket and instils values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in our young people," he said.

"By exposing students to live cricket matches, they are getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the game. This experience is invaluable for their personal and athletic development,” Dr. Bennett noted.

West Indies won Thursday’s first game by 28 runs. The remaining two matches of the series are scheduled for Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 at the same venue. Start time is 2:00pm.

Bennett, who served as JCA vice-president for 11 years, is set for his first term at the helm after a 67-30 victory.

Heaven served as JCA president for the last 10 years and was seeking a fifth term.

Over the past two years, the JCA has significantly increased its use of a variety of digital and online tools to deliver improved services to its stakeholders.

Of note, was in February of 2019, when for the first time, the JCA streamed the final of its Senior Cup tournament at Sabina Park via its Facebook page – Jamaica Cricket. Over the two days of the final, the online stream attracted more than 40,000 unique viewers who watched for a minimum of two hours.

“We were buoyed by the response of the viewing fans online. The data provided by our marketing team and the Facebook insights signalled that despite low numbers in the stands, interest in the sport was still strong,” said JCA CEO Courtney Francis.

“Traditional media helps us to reach a wide cross-section of cricket lovers, but our social media channels give us an opportunity to get more feedback and interaction. That’s important and the responses we were getting online let us know we had to be more interactive, not only with fans but also with our players, coaches, teams and other stakeholders.”

Against that background, the JCA is making an effort to enhance their digital footprint. This includes training and certification in digital scoring methods for all clubs and parish associations that was facilitated by CWI.

Following the training clubs and parish associations received tablets which were used for scoring in local competitions.

The JCA also secured a three-year commercial contract with CricHQ.com to host player and team statistics online. This facilitates the use of a completely data-driven evaluation of players and teams by the selection panel for national programmes.

They have also employed the increased use of video to share key moments in the JCA’s activities or to provide updates, which may not have been covered in traditional media channels as well as certifying JCA marketing staff in digital marketing and other digital disciplines.

“We took it up a notch in 2020 and the global COVID-19 pandemic really showed us that we were making the right decision. Our meetings migrated online – board, committees, staff and teams. Our players and coaches were using their WhatsApp groups and online meeting platforms to share training methods and holding each other accountable,” Francis said.

“Our staff’s productivity was maintained despite the work-from-home recommendations as part of the government’s response to managing the spread of the coronavirus. It took a bit of adjustment but we are better for it now and so are our coffers.”

Moving forward the JCA plans to relaunch its redesigned and more functional website on August 27 at 12:30 pm. This will be done live on the JCA’s Facebook page – Jamaica Cricket and is open to the public.

It will also host its AGM online via Zoom August 27 at 2:00 pm. This is a first in the organisation’s history and also among local sporting associations as well as deliver online training courses for a wide variety of cricket stakeholders via its new website. Disciplines include financial management, nutrition, fitness and conditioning, rules of the game, media/interview techniques among others.

is truly saddened at the passing of Mr Cleon Smith, who was at the time of his death today, the coach for the National Senior Women’s team.

In addition to Jamaica’s senior women’s team, Smith was also the coach for the Northern Panthers Franchise, the Senior Men, Women and U15 coach for the St. Ann Cricket Association and he also coached at York Castle High School.

According to the JCA, Smith fell ill and was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital just about two weeks ago but failed to recover from his ailment. They praised him for his contribution to the sport.

“Coach Smith was the epitome of commitment to the sport. Cricket has been a life-long love for him, and his association with the JCA dates back well over a decade. While Cleon was involved with the national programme as a coach for the national women’s team for an extended period, he stood in as U-17 men’s coach at one point. Beyond that, he was involved at the local franchise level, the parish level and even Headley Cup,” said JCA CEO Courtney Francis.

“It is quite a sad day for us at the JCA and across the local cricket landscape. Jamaica’s cricket was better off for his years of dedicated service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the senior women’s team in this moment and we will reach out to provide support for them as they would be the hardest hit within the national programme.

“To his family, we extend our deepest condolences. We are with you in this period of grief and we will be a pillar of strength on which you can lean. The JCA is here for you,” he added.

The J$4.45million, one-year sponsorship is a full-cash injection to offset the costs associated with preparing Jamaica’s two women’s cricket teams (Senior and Under-19) for regional tournaments in March and April as well as the Women’s 50-over Championship slated for August 2020.

 “I’ve been a massive fan of cricket for decades and when the JCA approached me it didn’t take me long to consider supporting the sport, especially the women,” said Cleveland Berry Managing Director of Pace Electrical Works.

 “This year is the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the West Indies is being led by Jamaican Stafanie Taylor. I want my business to be a part of what can continue driving Jamaican women to achieve greatness in the sport. Their hard work on and off the pitch can inspire many of our young people to aspire for excellence in life.”

 The agreement will be reviewed at the end of the year with a view to continuing into the 2020/21 season.

 “We are elated and so are the ladies. They know it has been challenging to keep the lights on in their programme but the JCA will never give up on Women’s Cricket,” said JCA President Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven.

 “We are in the business of promoting and developing the sport while providing value for every entity who wishes to support our thrust. This funding comes right in the middle of the Senior Women and the Under19s preparing for regional tournaments scheduled for March and April. We are all cheering for them to continue their regional competitiveness and dominance.”

 In responding to the announcement today, young star Rashada Williams said the players were delighted at the news.

 “This is an absolute thrill for us all. We owe Mr Berry and the Pace Electrical team a significant debt of gratitude,” she said.

 “There are many different avenues he could have chosen to invest but he chose women’s cricket. In my opinion, his choice was a masterstroke. We are young, strong and feared by our regional neighbours. Our teams will repay his faith with top-class performances and exemplary conduct off the field.”

 In addition to the U-19 and Senior Women’s Cricket Programmes, the JCA will introduce for the first time an Under-15 female programme later in 2020. This is in keeping with Cricket West Indies’ thrust to strengthen its female programmes.

 Jamaica’s Senior Women will compete in the CWI Women’s 50-over and T20 Championships March 18 – April 6 in Guyana and the U-19s will contest the regional T20 championships April 5 – 15 in Trinidad &

Jamaica Scorpions are scheduled to play the Leeward Hurricanes in the first round of the competition and the Barbados Pride in the second round. Both matches are set to be played in Antigua. The Scorpions are due to arrive in Antigua on January 29th and scheduled to return on February 12, 2023.

Andrew Richardson has been named head coach while Nikita Miller is the assistant coach.

The full squad: Paul Palmer (captain), Jamie Merchant, Alwyn Williams,  Aldaine Thomas,  Leroy Lugg,      Kirk McKenzie,  Romaine Morris,  Abhijai Mansingh, Patrick Harty, Akim Fraser,  Marquino Mindley,  Gordon Bryan and  Ojay Shields.

Although an election date is yet to set, Jamaica Cricket Association president (JCA) Wilford Billy Heaven is expected to run unopposed for a fourth two-year team when the annual general meeting is held. 

He has successfully held off two challenges, winning by only four votes on the last occasion, but many in the country’s local cricketing circles believe he would still emerge victorious if confronted by any opposition in the 2021 election.

Perry, however, sees the continued re-election of the official and his slate, unchallenged, or being re-elected by big margins as incongruous when juxtaposed against the current state of the game on the island.

“I think we definitely need change.  I cannot understand why it is that we have not won anything over the years, we have been last, second to last, we’ve only won one trophy out of 30-odd, and at the end of the day the administration is winning by a landslide,” Perry told the Mason and Guest radio program.

“Something is wrong if people keep voting for persons who are not delivering.  I don’t believe you should be there because at the end of the day we need positive results.  We need the team to be doing well, we need to produce a lot of Test cricketers and a lot of first-class cricketers,” he added.

“I’m not only saying Billy Heaven should be removed but that the delegates who continue to vote for a particular board need to examine themselves.  At the end of the day, if cricket is what you are really there for and you are not getting the results then why is it that you continue to put those persons to lead.  You don’t have the cricket at heart, somehow you have some sort of agenda.”  

If confirmed, it could mean a second consecutive challenge for incumbent Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven.  Heaven easily saw off opposition from former vice-president Mark Neita in 2019 to secure a third two-year term.

While insisting that, at this point, a decision had yet to be made, Perry admitted that he was far from pleased with the current state of cricket on the island of Jamaica and it was an option he was strongly considering.

“It could be a possibility.  I’m not confirming that but I’m still giving it some thought.  It’s a lot that you have to give up,” Perry, who recently became president of Jamaica Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (JAIFA), told the Mason and Guest radio program.

“I strongly believe that we need some very good leadership and we need some serious work to bring back our cricket.  Our cricket is in a desperate situation and I think that management and leadership, we have to start from there to get everything streamlined so that the pathway is very clear,” he added.

Heaven has been president of the JCA since 2013 when then-president Lyndel Wright did not seek re-election.  Of interest, however, is the fact that Heaven’s upcoming re-election bid will be the first since the JCA is believed to have voted against fellow Jamaican Dave Cameron in his re-election bid for Cricket West Indies (CWI) president.  The move was widely condemned in some quarters of Jamaica’s local cricket fraternity.

Captain Rovman Powell ended the tournament with the highest aggregate of 346 runs, just four more than Red Force captain Nicholas Pooran (342) and nine more than his teammate Brandon King (337). But it was success of his bowlers that led the Scorpions to their first regional 50-over title since 2012 when Tamar Lambert led Jamaica to victory.

Four Jamaican Scorpion bowlers are among the top 10 wicket takers in the tournament – Odean Smith and Nicholson Gordon each took 15 wickets and shared the prize of leading wicket taker with Red Force and former West Indies paceman Shannon Gabriel. Not far behind were spinner Dennis Bulli with 14 wickets and Jeavor Royal with 12.

Asked about the impact of Smith and Gordon, Powell said the two pace bowlers were key to the team’s success this season.

 “They were very, very important in the sense that every time I gave them the ball they delivered right throughout the tournament,” he said.

“As a captain, it is very good when you find bowlers that give you wickets in crucial times of the game and both of them have been fantastic throughout the entire tournament. Not the most fast-bowling friendly wickets to be honest but they have been very good.”

Smith took his 15 wickets at an average of 19.26 and economy of 5.25 wicket while Gordon was slightly more expensive at 21.26 and economy of 5.94.

Bulli snared wickets at an average of 18.64 and economy of 4.75 while Royal took his 12 wickets at an average of 21.91 and economy of 3.92.

Meanwhile, the team has been praised by the Jamaica Cricket Association on its triumphant season.

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) congratulates our national senior men’s team “The Jamaica Scorpions” on winning the regional CG United Super 50 Championship. This achievement is the end product of teamwork, intense preparation and exemplary leadership,” said President Billy Heaven in a statement released on Sunday.

“Under the astute leadership of Captain Rovman Powell and guidance of Head Coach Andrew Richardson and Assistant Coach Nikita Miller, the world witnessed the Jamaica Scorpions win five games back to back. The collective performance of the entire team has made Jamaica proud.”

According to Heaven, strategic planning by the JCA that places emphasis on a player centric approach built an ‘exceptional team’ that claimed the trophy in a year when Jamaica celebrates its 60^th year of independence.

“Cricket is known as the Gentleman’s Sport and on November 19, 2022, as the world celebrated International Men’s Day, Jamaica Scorpions provided the perfect celebration of the day winning the CG United Super 50 Championship in fine cricketing style,” Heaven said.

“This year Jamaica celebrates its 60th year of independence and cricket has always been a rich part of our history and legacy. The JCA is therefore extremely proud that our senior men’s team provided this gift to a proud nation on its diamond jubilee. Gentlemen we raise our bats to you.”

CEO of the Jamaica Cricket Association, Courtney Francis, issued a memo to all teams notifying them of the postponement on Thursday of the matches that were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

“In light of the information from the Met Office of Jamaica, the JCA T20 Bashment matches originally scheduled for this weekend of September 24 & 25, 2022 are rescheduled for the following weekend of October 1 & 2, 2022. The fixtures will be adjusted by one week to accommodate the remainder of the competition. Best if we err on the side of caution,” Francis said.

“The JCA is impressing upon each individual to listen and watch for weather updates and advisories. Getting up to date information is an important part of you and your loved ones staying safe during what may be a challenging few days ahead,” he added.

Rounds six and seven are the last games of the preliminary round and will determine who advances to the quarterfinals.