The NP Ultra Under-16 cricket tournament involving some of the most promising young cricketers in Trinidad and Tobago will add to the development strategy of the T&T Cricket Board and further cement the role and importance of the club structure in the national game. President of the T&TCB Azim Bassarath at the official launch of the tournament on Wednesday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva described club cricketers as "true patriots" whose involvement is crucial to the growth and development of the sport.
Bassarath said the NP Ultra Under-16 tournament, already in its third round, will extend the fabulous role the clubs are playing when traditionally development is left to the primary and secondary schools' leagues. The T&TCB's youth coaching programmes and their Interzone U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 competitions. He said the partnership between the T&TCB and National Petroleum, the state-owned oil and gas giant is a win-win situation which will redound to the benefit of cricket, the players, the competition's generous sponsors and the country. "They will participate in and enjoy quality cricket, administered by the T&TCB at well-appointed venues. Our clubs will broaden its membership base and create a sustainable organisation by utilising the cricket and other skills which our talented youngsters will bring to the clubs," Bassarath said.
Present on Wednesday at the NP Ultra Under-16 launch were senior members of the T&TCB including Dudnath Ramkeesoon, first vice-president; Patrick Rampersad, executive member; Mahabir Ragoonanan, treasurer of the North Zone; Manohar Ramsaran, Administrative Manager; and Anil Kamal, secretary of the National League. Representing NP were John Gormandy, Lubricant, Strategy and Export Manager; Aneela Jaggernauth, Brand Co-ordinator; and Rae Gilbert, Communications and Media Relations Officer.