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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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Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Bermuda Tops Rankings Ahead of T20 World Cup Qualifier
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Bermuda is set to host the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Americas Sub Regional Qualifiers next year and enters the tournament as the highest-ranked team among the five competing nations.
The tournament, which offers a pathway to the next stage of qualification for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, will feature a round-robin series of matches at the National Sports Center.
According to the ICC Men's Twenty20 International Team Rankings, last updated on 12 October 2025, Bermuda holds the top spot among the participants.
Current Men's Twenty20 International Team Rankings Last Updated - October 12th 2025
30th Bermuda
57th Bahamas
75th Panama
76th Belize
83rd Brazil
Bermuda will be favorites to win the group and advance, benefiting from the advantage of playing on home soil against the Bahamas, Panama, Belize, and Brazil.
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Monday, October 13, 2025
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Bravo to Hold Cricket Workshop on Island
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The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) announced that Dwayne Bravo, one of the most successful and charismatic all-rounders in world cricket, will visit Bermuda November 1st and 2nd, 2025.
During his visit, Bravo will lead a workshop in High-Performance Coaching and Player Development. At the culmination of the workshop Bravo will be hosted at a cocktail reception with members of Bermuda’s cricket community, sponsors, and corporate partners.
This special engagement has been made possible through the collaboration of Andre Coley, BCB High-Performance Cricket Consultant, alongside BCB Executive Director, Calvin Blankendal, and BCB President, Lloyd Smith.
This collaboration with Dwayne Bravo represents a major step in strengthening Bermuda’s high-performance cricket pathway and advancing coach and player development through exposure to international best practices.
Workshop Themes
• Supporting the Modern Player – Mindset & Approaches for effective player development (Presentation & Discussion)
• Death Bowling (Concept & Practical Simulations)
• Developing a Professional Mindset, Approaches, and Skills Required of an International Player (Presentation & Discussion)
• Batting and bowling approaches in Each Match Phase (Presentation, Discussions and Practical Simulations)
The workshops will focus on both the mental and technical aspects of high-level performance, emphasizing the modern player’s mindset, preparation, and adaptability, alongside specialized T20 skills such as batting strategies across match phases and precision bowling in death overs.
At the conclusion of the workshops, a cocktail reception hosted by the BCB will formally close the event, offering participants including players, coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters an opportunity to further engage with Dwayne Bravo, Andre Coley and BCB members.
Bravo is a Trinidadian cricketer, globally recognized as one of the greatest T20 allrounders of all-time. Bravo was instrumental in the West Indies’ ICC T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016.
He has starred in premier tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Big Bash League (BBL).
He holds the world record for most wickets in T20 cricket (over 600) and was the first player to achieve 100+ wickets and 1,000+ runs in the IPL. Bravo remains the only cricketer to have surpassed 5,000 runs and 500 wickets in the T20 format. As Captain, and later Head Coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), he guided the team to a record fifth CPL title, earning Trinidad and Tobago’s Chaconia Medal (Gold) for outstanding service to sport.
President, Bermuda Cricket Board Smith said, "The BCB is honoured to welcome Dwayne Bravo to Bermuda. His expertise and passion for the game align perfectly with our mission to raise the standards of cricket across the island and the Americas."
Bravo, the ICC T20 2x World Cup Winner said, “I’m truly honoured to be invited by the Bermuda Cricket Board to share my experience and knowledge with the players and coaches. These workshops are about more than just skills - they’re about mindset, discipline, and preparing to perform at the highest level. I’m looking forward to connecting with Bermuda’s cricket community, helping to inspire the next generation, and celebrating the passion we all share for the game.”
Coley, the BCB High-Performance Cricket Consultant: said, "Dwayne Bravo embodies the modern cricketer, who is versatile, mentally strong, skillful and adaptable. His sessions will provide invaluable insights into the discipline, mental resilience, game approaches and technical skills required for consistent high-performance at the international level.”
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