Cricketers from across the Americas have arrived in Bermuda ahead of the upcoming BCB tournament, which will be held on the island next week. The ICC Select Team will compete in a series of matches against a Bermuda Select XI, as well as Cup Match teams from St George’s and Somerset. The series begins on Wednesday, September 11, with the visiting team facing some of Bermuda’s top players at the National Sports Centre at 15:30.
The squad features several notable players from the US, including Ali Sheikh, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Kwame Patton Jr, Vatsal Vaghela, and Aarin Nadkarni. Joining them are left-handed all-rounder Phillip Stroud from the Falkland Islands, and Argentina’s Tomas Rossi and Alan Kirschbaum. Luiz Muller from Brazil is also part of the team and hopes to continue building his reputation. Cricket Canada has sent Yuvraj Samra, an opening batter, and is expected to add a pace bowler to the squad. The team is rounded off by Marc Taylor from the Bahamas, who brings additional firepower.
Renowned cricket coach Mahesh Hatkar from India will be guiding the ICC Select Team, using the series as an opportunity to scout Bermuda’s players. Hatkar has previously worked with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) senior men’s team in India and is now sharing his expertise with the under-19 men’s national team.
Cal Blankendal, CEO of the Bermuda Cricket Board, expressed his excitement about hosting the ICC Select Team, noting that the series will offer cricket fans in Bermuda the chance to witness top-level international talent. He encouraged locals to come out and support both the Bermuda Select Team and the international players, calling it a significant moment for cricket in Bermuda and an opportunity to showcase local talent and the sport to a global audience.