Relieved and thrilled to pull off CPL, says Pete Russell

The thrilling Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is done and dusted, and what a spectacle it was for the world. This is the second year the tournament was hosted in a bio-secure environment, and according to CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell, he is relieved and thrilled at the successful hosting of the tournament.
“It’s been a huge challenge second year running that we were able to do it in a bubble, safe and secure. Really thrilled it has come off the way it did,” Russell said.

He added: “I just feel relief that we got to where we got to, but thrilled fans around the world enjoyed a great spectacle. We cannot wait for the tenth anniversary.”
In the 33 matches played at Warner Park, St Kitts, the highest team total was 255-5, scored by Jamaica Tallawahs, in contrast to 185-3, the highest total in CPL 2020 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Considering the small nature of the venue in St Kitts, they were three other scores of 200-plus in the CPL 2021. The commentators on air made numerous mention of the ground staff, commending their efforts.
“We had to play 33 matches (at one venue); everyone said we would not be able to do it. That wicket has played fantastic, we had great cricket all the way through, we had great success,” Russell explained.
The CPL CEO is also impressed with the young players who made that transition from the CPL to the global stage. “That’s the beauty of it. If you look at the Team of the Tournament, there are nine West Indians. Look at the players going to the IPL, we have 14 on that flight, and people want Caribbean players to play around the world. A lot of them are the young guys that done amazing,” Russell disclosed.
Host nation St Kitts and Nevis Patriots won their maiden CPL title in the 2021 edition under the captaincy of Dwayne Bravo, in his 500th T20 match. (Brandon Corlette)