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Thursday, November 27, 2025
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Springer Set to Talk Cricket Crisis on Islandstats.com
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Vernon Springer, the respected cricket administrator, commentator, and analyst who was recently named a 2025 inductee into the Cricket Hall of Fame, is set to join Islandstats.com on Saturday to discuss the turbulent state of cricket across the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Springer will be live on www.islandstats.com at 5 pm on Saturday to delve into all aspects of the sport's "Fall from Grace".
Springer, whose induction into the prestigious 44th Cricket Hall of Fame class is known for his "brave, unafraid" voice on West Indies cricket. The former Leeward Islands Cricket Board Chief Operations Officer has a career spanning over 40 years as a player, coach, administrator, and journalist.
The discussion comes at a critical time, as cricket in the Caribbean and Bermuda has been on a "roller coaster going backward for a number of years". While players often bear the brunt of the blame for poor performances, Springer has recently been asking a crucial question: Is Leeward Islands Cricket Being Run into the Ground?.
This sentiment echoes concerns in Bermuda, where the decline in the sport has led to questions about preparation, team selection, and the role of administrators. The issue of cricket's decline is often seen as twofold: administrative in nature and player-related.
The veteran analyst is expected to provide his typically honest assessment, addressing the belief that administrators often resist criticism. Administrators love to think that they are doing everything right and anyone who says different gets the Donald Trump treatment. The broadcast is sure to be an insightful and potentially explosive discussion on the systemic challenges facing regional cricket.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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BCB Holds AGM, Elects New VPs Amid Ongoing Concerns
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The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this evening after a delayed start, managing to fill key executive roles, although club concerns over the board's overall situation remain, and several positions are still vacant.
Following the administrative uncertainty surrounding the initial attempt to convene the AGM, the BCB completed voting for several critical positions:
Dave Horan was voted in as the new First Vice President.
Steven Douglas is the Second Vice President
Dawn Simmons successfully retained her position as Secretary.
The position of Treasurer is filled by Tracey Pitt
Najee Musson is a Club Rep
Despite filling the top secretarial and vice-presidency roles, the meeting was marked by club representatives expressing concerns about the broader administrative situation facing the board.
The BCB will need to schedule further meetings as the positions of Assistant Secretary and Treasurer have not yet been filled, leaving two crucial executive roles vacant. The ongoing concerns voiced by the clubs indicate that the newly elected leadership will face immediate challenges in providing stability and direction for the 2026 cricket season.
And then in a shock move The BCB announce that Bermuda has secured the hosting rights for the 3rd and 4th Annual North American Cricket Cup in 2027 and 2028. This landmark achievement reinforces Bermuda’s position as a premier destination for international cricket and marks a major milestone for the island’s sports tourism sector.
Usually the BCB arranges announcements for a particular day and time, so this announcement comes as a surprise.
On behalf of President Smith and the BCB Executive Board, we are thrilled to confirm this successful bid, which ensures Bermuda will host three consecutive years of major international cricket tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier in 2026.
The North American Cricket Cup of 2027 & 2028 will follow the proven ICC Sub-Regional T20 format and feature five competitive teams: Bahamas, Canada, Cayman Islands, USA, and Bermuda. Each tournament will deliver thrilling cricket action, attracting fans and players from across the region and our passionate home fans.
“We are incredibly proud to have secured the hosting rights for the North American Cricket Cup for 2027 and 2028,” said President Lloyd Smith. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in cricket in Bermuda. We look forward to collaborating with all our stakeholders to deliver exceptional experiences for players, fans, and partners, while maximizing the economic and community benefits for our island.”
BCB Cricket Chair and International Tournament Director Mr. Steven Douglas said, "Securing the North American Cricket Cup for two consecutive years is a tremendous achievement for Bermuda. These ICC-sanctioned tournaments are critical for our national team pathway and play a vital role in securing funding through the ICC Competition Grant. Beyond showcasing top-level cricket, they create invaluable opportunities for domestic players and match officials to gain experience in a high-performance environment. Hosting these events on-island strengthens our cricketing infrastructure, provides a pathway for local talent to excel, and inspires the next generation of players to engage with the sport, while delivering significant economic and community benefits."
Executive Director Calvin Blankendal added, “The ICC Sub-Regional World Cup Qualifiers and the North American Cricket Cup will provide a fantastic opportunity to partner closely with stakeholders, local vendors, member clubs, and schools. Cricket is playing a vital role in driving economic growth within the tourism industry. Beyond the economic benefits, hosting the tournaments fills the community with immense national pride, offering a rare chance for us to see our own heroes compete on home soil.”
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Monday, November 17, 2025
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Holding Lends Support to FrayStar Youth Cricket Initiative
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Michael Holding, the legendary former West Indies fast bowler, has thrown his considerable weight behind FrayStar Cricket, a youth development programme focused on shaping the next generation of cricketers in Bermuda.
The iconic paceman, revered globally for his fiery speed, eloquent commentary, and uncompromising integrity, has sent a message of support that FrayStar’s founders describe as both "humbling and inspiring."
FrayStar Cricket, which operates on the island, aims to instill not only cricketing skill but also the core values of excellence, discipline, and integrity—principles synonymous with Holding’s illustrious career and public life.
In a powerful endorsement, the man famously known as 'Whispering Death' acknowledged the significant work being undertaken by the organisation for Bermuda’s young people.
founder of FrayStar Cricket Terry Fray said, “The support of a figure like Holding validates their mission, his words carry the weight of a lifetime dedicated to excellence, discipline, and integrity—values that mirror everything we stand for. To have someone of his stature acknowledge the work we are doing for Bermuda’s youth is both humbling and inspiring."
Holding's backing comes as a major boost to the organisation as it continues its efforts to nurture talent and character in the island nation. Bermuda cricket has a proud history, and FrayStar is aiming to ensure a bright future by focusing on holistic development.
"We are grateful for his encouragement as we continue shaping the next generation of cricketers, on and off the field," said Fray. "Thank you, Mr. Holding, for believing in the work we’re doing."
Holding’s transition from one of the most intimidating bowlers in history to a respected voice on the game and social issues has only amplified his global influence. His recognition of FrayStar's efforts will likely shine a greater spotlight on the programme, potentially attracting further support and resources.
The endorsement is seen as a commitment to the foundational importance of grassroots programmes, proving that the commitment to high standards begins with youth development.
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Thursday, November 06, 2025
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ICC Launches Major Investigation into Cricket Canada
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Following recent turmoil in the US cricket landscape, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has now launched a full-scale investigation into Cricket Canada for a range of serious offences, including alleged match-fixing and illegal betting.
While Bermuda continues to receive accolades from the ICC for its administration off the field, the two leading nations in the Americas region, the USA and now Canada, find themselves facing major scrutiny from the global governing body. Crucially, like the USA during its suspension period, Canada is still currently allowed to compete on the international stage.
The issues began when Cricket Canada, under the leadership of President Amjad Bajwa, hired Salman Khan as CEO just weeks after he had been charged with theft and fraud by Calgary Police. Khan, along with treasurer Syed Wajahat Ali, was charged in connection with funds that went missing from the Calgary & District Cricket League between 2014 and 2016.
The ICC immediately requested "a full account of the recruitment process." Bajwa has vigorously defended Khan, stating he would only be dismissed when Calgary Police "comes up with facts." Khan's case is due to be heard in court in February.
More seriously, Cricket Canada is also being probed for allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting involving three members of the board.
The ICC dispatched a major anti-corruption unit to Toronto in August to investigate the claims that the members placed bets on their own team with bookmakers in India. This investigation was spurred by an audio recording, reportedly privy to Postmedia, which revealed the allegations of manipulation and illegal betting.
According to reports, off-shore gambling operators conveyed their demands to the three board members. These members, in turn, instructed then-interim coach Khurum Rashid Chohan on the composition of the lineup. Chohan reportedly resisted the manipulation and was promptly fired from his role.
The investigation casts a heavy shadow over cricket in the Americas region as the ICC seeks to determine the extent of corruption within the national governing body.
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Saturday, October 25, 2025
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Bermuda Cricket Board End-of-Season Honours
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 Brangman Premier Coach of the Year IslandStats.com
The top coaching and playing accolades were shared between two of the island's most decorated clubs: Southampton Rangers and St. David’s Cricket Club.
The architects of success were rightly celebrated, with the Coach of the Year awards acknowledging the strategic minds driving their teams forward:
First Division Coach of the Year: Herbie Bascome was honoured for his leadership and guidance of the Southampton Rangers, steering the club through a successful campaign.
Premier Division Coach of the Year: The prestigious top-tier award went to Ricky Brangman of St. David’s Cricket Club, whose tactical acumen and team management earned him the recognition.
The individual excellence awards highlighted the players who consistently delivered match-winning performances:
First Division Player of the Year: The impactful Dion Stovell of Southampton Rangers claimed the top prize in the First Division, marking his consistent domination of the competition.
Premier Division Player of the Year: Kevon Fubler of St. David’s Cricket Club was named the best player in the Premier Division, a testament to his superb form against the island’s elite.
The ceremony also shone a light on the crucial non-playing roles that ensure the game runs smoothly:
Emerging Umpire: The future of officiating looks bright with Precious Smith being named the Emerging Umpire, a nod to potential and rapid development.
Umpire of the Year: The season’s most consistent and reliable official was Alex Knight, who received the Umpire of the Year award.
Finally, the unsung heroes responsible for the pristine playing surfaces were acknowledged:
Groundsman of the Year: Reid Jones of Somerset Cricket Club received the award for his exceptional work in maintaining the club's pitch and grounds.
Long Service Award: Also from Somerset Cricket Club, Charlotte Simons received a heartfelt standing ovation as she was honoured with the Long Service Award for her years of dedication to the sport.
The event successfully capped off another memorable season of Bermudian cricket, leaving clubs and players energised for the campaigns ahead.
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