Barbados Pelicans head coach Shirley Clarke is backing his side to fly high as they gear up for the inaugural West Indies T20 Breakout League, which bowls off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.
Clarke expressed confidence in both the preparation and potential of his youthful squad, who will open their campaign against host team Trinidad and Tobago Legions in the tournament’s feature clash on opening day.
"I thought preparations went well, especially the two weeks we had at the National Sports Council venue. It was really intense. The two practice games we played also went really good ahead of the tournament," Clarke told Barbados TODAY ahead of the team’s departure.
Clarke, who has worked closely with several of the players through their development pathways, did not hesitate when asked about expectations for the league, which is designed to unearth and showcase emerging Caribbean cricket talent.
Along with Trinidad and Tobago Legions, the Pelicans will also cross swords with Guyana Rainforest Rangers, Jamaica Titans, Leeward Islands Thunder, and Windward Islands Infernos.
"For sure, it’s to win the tournament. Once we can execute our plans, I think we have a really good chance," he declared.
The Pelicans will be led by all-rounder Nyeem Young, a familiar name in regional cricket and one Clarke believes is up to the task.
"Nyeem is a good leader, great thinker. I have no doubt that he will lead the team well,” Clarke said, pointing to Young’s ability to inspire and guide both with his performance and leadership.
The squad boasts a strong blend of experience and exciting young talent. Kadeem Alleyne, Shaqkere Parris, and Kevin Wickham bring recent experience from the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and are expected to anchor the Pelicans’ batting unit. On the bowling front, West Indies Academy spin twins Joshua Bishop and Zishan Motara add guile and control, while left-arm pacer Ramon Simmonds is set to spearhead the pace attack.
The Pelicans' depth continues with dynamic wicketkeeper-batters Leniko Boucher and Dimitrius Richards, offering versatility in the middle order. Also named in the squad are Shian Brathwaite, Nathan Sealy, and Amari Goodridge, while Junior Sinclair and Sion Hackett are the two overseas-based players rounding out a well-balanced team.