Related items

• Rupert Hunter appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Cricket West Indies

  Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Rupert Hunter as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), marking a pivotal moment for the organization. Hunter, who most recently served as Head of Brand Partnerships at the International Cricket Council (ICC), will officially assume his new role in October, based at CWI's headquarters in Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua.

   Hunter brings with him an impressive 24 years of experience in the sports industry, having held senior roles at some of the world's top sports and entertainment agencies. His career includes significant stints at global firms such as Bates Worldwide Advertising, World Sport Group, Havas Sports, IMG Media, and Six Nations Rugby. During his tenure at the ICC, Hunter was instrumental in driving global sponsorships and partnerships, making him a valuable addition to CWI's leadership team.

   Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton, Independent Director and Chair of the Human Capital & Recruitment Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for Hunter's appointment. "We're excited to welcome Rupert Hunter as our new Chief Commercial Officer. After a thorough selection process, Rupert emerged as the top choice for this very critical role. His global outlook is vital for building strong international partnerships, and he’ll be tasked with driving revenue growth and expanding our fan base in the Caribbean and beyond. With his extensive experience, we’re confident Rupert will hit the ground running and make a significant impact."

   For Hunter, joining CWI represents an opportunity to further build on the region's rich cricketing legacy. "The opportunity to join Cricket West Indies, after hosting an outstanding T20 World Cup tournament, and to re-immerse myself in the world of international cricket is very exciting. West Indies cricket has a very meaningful heritage as well as global appeal, and so I look forward to realizing the full commercial potential of the brand, the teams, and the organization in the months ahead," Hunter said.

   In his new role, Hunter will oversee CWI's Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Department, working closely with newly appointed Communication and Media Manager, Nyssa Pierre. This marks a significant strengthening of the senior executive team as CWI continues its strategic restructuring to improve overall efficiency and performance.

   Hunter's extensive background and international experience are expected to bring fresh perspectives and commercial acumen to West Indies cricket, a sport deeply embedded in the region's cultural fabric. With this new addition to the leadership team, CWI looks set to bolster its commercial portfolio while expanding its reach and influence both in the Caribbean and on the global stage.

• Youngster Hull set for England Test debut against Sri Lanka

  England will hand a debut to bowler Josh Hull for their third Test against Sri Lanka.

  Hull, who was in the squad for the second Test at Lord's, has been included in the team for the final match at The Oval.

  The 20-year-old left-arm seamer has replaced Matthew Potts.

  England are 2-0 up in the series, having won by five wickets at Old Trafford before triumphing by 190 runs at Lord's.

• Noor spins Kings to victory over winless Falcons

  Saint Lucia Kings continued their impressive start to the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Tuesday night.
  
  Chasing 143 in Antigua, captain Faf du Plessis got the Kings off to a flier before they romped to the target with 18 balls to spare. It was a far less eventful chase for Kings than their remarkable season opening win over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. But it was more heartache for the Falcons, who suffered a fourth straight defeat in their debut season. The home side were unable to capitalize on a promising start from new opening partners Fakhar Zaman and Justin Greaves as their innings fell away after the PowerPlay.

  Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad starred with 3-18 to restrict Falcons to a modest 142-7 - the lowest total in the CPL this season. Assistant coach Curtly Ambrose provided a passionate rallying cry for his team, but the Falcons attack struggled against the Kings' firepower as opener Johnson Charles anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 46 balls.

  A desperate Falcons had been sent in to bat in windy conditions. Greaves, in his season debut, tried to provide a tonic and smashed a second ball boundary while Zaman soon found his rhythm with a stunning straight six off seamer Matthew Forde. But their blossoming 35-run partnership was broken when Zaman was well caught by a running Khary Pierre, who shortly afterwards clean bowled Kofi James.

  

  Pierre continued to be part of the action when he caught a skier from Greaves, who fell on 36 after he gamely tried to hit into the breeze.

  The Falcons were shackled by disciplined bowling in the middle overs, unable to hit boundaries as their innings flamed out.

  Du Plessis made batting look easy and whacked quick Shamar Springer for three boundaries and a six in the second over. He smashed 28 in his first 11 deliveries before falling in the first over from spinner Imad Wasim.

  The wicket of du Plessis and a brief rain delay at North Sound did not stop Kings' momentum as Charles and Bhanuka Rajapaksa bludgeoned monstrous sixes. Captain Chris Green took it upon himself to revive the Falcons with the wicket of Rajapaksa in the eighth over.

  But in Green's next over when he dropped a return chance to reprieve Ackeem Auguste on the last ball before drinks. A rampant Tim Seifert finished off the match in style with a six as Kings made an early season statement.