Confusion at the Crease: Tucker Rejects BCB Coaching Role
IslandStats.com
A fresh wave of controversy has hit the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) after legendary all-rounder Janeiro Tucker vehemently denied being part of a new national coaching panel announced by President Lloyd Smith.
In a surprising turn of events, Tucker has moved to "clear his name," refuting claims made on Wednesday to www,islandstats.com that he and business associate Mahesh Hatkar would help lead the senior men's national team’s preparations for the upcoming international season. The denial comes just one day after the BCB announced a shift in strategy, opting for a four-man coaching panel rather than a traditional head coach following the transition of Cal Waldron to the role of Director of Coaching.
Speaking directly to www.islandstats.com, Tucker—the owner and operator of the 186 High Performance Cricket Academy—insisted that while he had been approached by the BCB as early as last year, no formal agreement or contract has ever been signed.
"I have not agreed to become coach of the national training squad," Tucker stated. "We just can’t say we are going to go and be a part of something as we need a contract... There is no truth to the statement that we are part of that four-man national coaching panel."
Tucker further explained that his business associate, Mahesh Hatkar, is currently in Bermuda on a work permit specifically to lead youth programs at the 186 Academy. He expressed anger that the BCB would claim Hatkar was part of their setup without any affiliation between the academy and the board.
The timing of this dispute is particularly critical for the national program. The senior squad is currently preparing for the North American Cup in the Cayman Islands, scheduled for April 4th – 12th, and is set to host a major T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier in June.
President Lloyd Smith had previously expressed confidence in the new panel, which was also set to include local coaches Herbie Bascome and George O'Brien Jr. Smith’s vision was to utilize a group of specialists to cover different aspects of the game—such as batting and bowling—until a head coach could be assessed and recommended by the High-Performance Committee.
However, with one half of that proposed panel now publicly distancing themselves from the project, the BCB faces a significant leadership gap as they head into a busy 2026 international calendar.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Bean Rosario’s Leewards Remain Perfect after Dominant Win
IslandStats.com
Windward Islands 69/9 Leeward Islands 59/3
Leeward Islands Women win by 7 wickets (DLS Method)
The Leeward Islands have extended their flawless start to the 2026 West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Windward Islands via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The Windward Islands won the toss and elected to bat first at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. However, they struggled to find any meaningful rhythm against a disciplined Leeward Islands attack and were restricted to just 69 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Abini St Jean was the top scorer for the Windwards with a modest 16, while Shawnisha Hector was the pick of the bowlers for the Leewards, returning exceptional figures of 3 wickets for just 5 runs from her four overs.
The Leeward Islands' pursuit of the target was briefly halted by rain after five overs, with the side well-placed at 46 for 3. Upon the resumption of play, the target was revised to 58 from 14 overs.
The Leewards reached the revised mark with ease, finishing on 59 for 3 to maintain their position at the top of the standings with an undefeated 5-0 record. Jahzara Claxton led the chase with a composed unbeaten 23, supported by wicket-keeper Reniece Boyce, who remained not out on 14. Afy Fletcher provided the only real resistance with the ball for the Windward Islands, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs.
Bermudian all-rounder Katherine Bean Rosario was not in the Leeward Islands lineup for this fixture, having previously contributed during the side's victory over Barbados. The Leeward Islands now look ahead to the tournament final as the heavy favorites to lift the 2026 crown.
Windward Islands Inning
..01 (02) Earnisha Fontaine c Shawnisha Hector b Jahzara Claxton ..00 (02) Amiah Gilbert b Shawnisha Hector ..00 (03) Zaida James LBW Shawnisha Hector ..01 (07) Carena Noel b Jahzara Claxton ..00 (04) Afy Fletcher b Jahzara Claxton ..10 (13) Ashlene Edward LBW Rozel Liburd ..16 (44) Abini St. Jean c Shawnisha Hector b Davronique Maynard ..08 (20) Jaeda Tyrell c Qiana Joseph b Davronique Maynard ..15 (17) Holly Charles b Shawnisha Hector ..00 (04) Aldith Gasper Not Out ..00 (05) Selena Ross Not Out ..18 Extras (2b-15w-1nb) ..69 Total for 9 wickets after 20 overs
..02 (04) Qiana Joseph b Zaida James ..09 (07) Shawnisha Hector Afy Fletcher ..14 (24) Reniece Boyce Not Out ..01 (03) Amanda Edwards c Ashlene Edward b Afy Fletcher ..23 (15) Jahzara Claxton Not Out ..07 Extras (6w-1nb) ..59 Total for 3 wickets after 8.4 overs
Fall of Wickets: 1-10 (Hector), 2-19 (Joseph), 3-24 (Edwards)
Windward Islands Bowlers
3.0-1-07-1 Zaida James 3.0-0-23-2 Afy Fletcher 1.0-0-16-0 Abini St Jean 1.0-0-03-0 Aldith Gasper 0.4-0-10-0 Jaeda Tyrell
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
BCB Shifts Strategy with New Coaching Panel
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) has signaled a significant change in philosophy for the national program, opting to implement a specialized coaching panel rather than appointing a single head coach for the upcoming international season.
Speaking recently, BCB President Lloyd Smith confirmed that while the board is currently negotiating with one primary candidate, they have established a four-man technical group to lead the 25-man training squad.
This panel, described as a temporary measure until a permanent lead is "nailed down," consists of local coaches Herbie Bascome, George O’Brien Jr., and Janeiro Tucker, who will work alongside on-island Indian coach Mahesh Hatkar.
Smith emphasized that this structure allows the high-performance committee to address specific technical areas—including batting and bowling—while ensuring the squad remains prepared for the heavy schedule ahead.
Despite the looming deadline of the North American Cup in the Cayman Islands this April, the BCB remains confident that the lack of a permanent head coach will not hinder progress.
Smith revealed that if current negotiations fail to produce an appointment by the end of March, the board will reassess their options for the tactical leadership on the boundary.
The high-performance committee maintains that their current focus is a long-term, two-year program designed to peak during the T20 World Cup qualifiers in 2027, rather than strictly for the immediate sub-regional qualifiers being hosted in Bermuda this June. The board also has continued access to West Indies consultant Andre Coley, who remains available to support the local panel during this transition phase.
The delay in securing a permanent successor to Cal Waldron—who has transitioned to the role of Director of Coaching—has been attributed largely to financial realities.
President Smith was transparent regarding the board's limitations, stating that while they have the ambition to hire top-tier talent, they must operate within "budgetary constraints". "We can get whoever we want if we have the proper budget, but unfortunately we don't have endless resources," Smith noted, adding that the board is actively seeking a candidate who fits their specific financial framework. For now, the national team will continue their preparations under the guidance of the new panel, with a clear mandate to elevate local standards from the youth levels up to the senior squad.
Monday, January 19, 2026
Leeward Islands Remain Unbeaten after dismantling Barbados
IslandStats.com
Leeward Islands 118/9 Barbados 87/9
The Leeward Islands have extended their flawless start to the 2026 West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze, securing a statement 31-run victory over rivals Barbados at the Arnos Vale Ground.
In a clash between the tournament's top two sides, the Leeward Islands proved their championship credentials by successfully defending a modest total with a masterclass in bowling and ground fielding. The result sees the Stormers move clear at the top of the table as the only undefeated side remaining in Saint Vincent.
After being put in to bat by Barbados, the Leeward Islands found themselves under immediate pressure on a surface that offered plenty for the bowlers. Despite a top-order wobble, Qiana Joseph provided the necessary resistance, top-scoring with a composed 27 from 17 balls.
Bermudian all-rounder Katherine Bean Rosario contributed a vital six runs during a middle-order rebuild, helping her side reach 118-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Barbados’ Naijanni Cumberbatch was the standout with the ball, tearing through the lower order to finish with remarkable figures of 5-15 from her four overs.
Defending 118, the Leeward Islands bowlers produced a collective display of discipline that left Barbados searching for answers. The "stranglehold" that has become a trademark of their 2026 campaign was once again on display as they dried up the boundaries from the opening over.
Barbados never gained momentum, eventually restricted to just 89-9. Asabi Callender offered the only real resistance with 17, but Joseph capped off a brilliant all-round performance by claiming 2-10 with her left-arm spin. The win marks four straight victories for the Leeward Islands, who now look firm favorites to claim the title.
Leeward Islands Inning
..06 (03) Shawnisha Hector b Naijanni Cumberbatch ..27 (17) Qiana Joseph c Shakera Selman b Aaliyah Alleyne ..00 (02) Reniece Boyce c Shamilia Connell b Naijanni Cumberbatch ..12 (11) Amanda Edwards c & b Naijanni Cumberbatch ..22 (29) Jahzara Claxton c Naijanni Cumberbatch b Theanny Herbert-Mayers ..00 (04) Davronique Maynard c & b Naijanni Cumberbatch ..00 (04) Kayzg Boyles LBW Naijanni Cumberbatch ..23 (20) Tonya Martin c Aaliyah Alleyne b Shanika Bruce ..11 (16) Rozel Liburd Not Out ..06 (12) Katherine Bean Rosario b Shanika Bruce ..02 (03) Aaliyah Weekes Not Out ..09 Extras (1b-3lb-4w-1nb) 118 Total for 9 wickets after 20 overs
4.0-0-15-5 Naijanni Cumberbatch 1.0-0-11-0 Allison Gordon 3.0-0-26-0 Shamilia Connell 3.0-0-15-1 Aaliyah Alleyne 4.0-0-23-1 Theanny Herbert-Mayers 2.0-0-10-0 Keila Elliott 3.0-0-14-2 Shanika Bruce
Barbados Inning
..00 (03) Trishan Holder b Shawnisha Hector ..14 (12) Eboni Brathwaite c Qiana Joseph b Jahzara Claxton ..02 (07) Naijanni Cumberbatch c (SUB) b Shawnisha Hector, ..17 (27) Asabi Callender st Reniece Boyce b Amanda Edwards ..15 (18) Aaliyah Alleyne b Qiana Joseph ..04 (07) Shakera Selman c & b Amanda Edwards ..02 (08) Allison Gordon LBW Rozel Liburd ..01 (04) Shamilia Connell st Reniece Boyce b Qiana Joseph ..10 (22) Theanny Herbert-Mayers c b Qiana Joseph b Davronique Maynard ..07 (11) Shanika Bruce Not Out ..00 (01) Keila Elliott Not Out ..15 Extras (5b-1lb-9w) ..87 Total for 9 wickets after 20 overs
Leeward Islands Stay Perfect with Victory over Trinidad
IslandStats.com
Trinidad & Tobago 74/9 Leeward Islands 75/6
The Leeward Islands maintained their unblemished start to the West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze after securing a composed four-wicket win over Trinidad & Tobago.
Katherine Bean Rosario and her teammates continued their dominant run, relying on a disciplined bowling display and a steady chase to overcome a stuttering Trinidadian side. The result ensures the Leeward Islands remain the team to beat in this year's competition.
Having won the toss and elected to field, the Leeward Islands immediately put their opponents under pressure. Their "stingy" reputation in the field was well-earned as they suffocated the Trinidad & Tobago batting lineup from the opening over.
Amelia Khan offered the only significant resistance for the Red Force Divas, top-scoring with a patient 17. However, she found little support as wickets fell at regular intervals. Davronique Maynard was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 2-12 from her three overs.
Trinidad & Tobago eventually limped to 74-9 from their allotted 20 overs, a total that always looked below par on a surface that rewarded disciplined line and length.
The pursuit was not entirely without its alarms. Karishma Ramharack produced a masterclass in spin bowling for Trinidad & Tobago, claiming 3-13 and bowling two maidens in her four-over spell to give her side a glimmer of hope.
However, Reniece Boyce proved to be the calming influence the Leeward Islands needed. Her composed knock of 28 anchored the innings and ensured the required run rate never spiralled out of control.
The Leeward Islands eventually reached their target of 75 for the loss of six wickets, with the depth of their lineup proving decisive. Bean Rosario, though padded up, was not required to bat as the middle order saw the game home.
Trinidad & Tobago Inning
..05 (13) Samara Ramnath c Reniece Boyce b Jahzara Claxton ..05 (08) Karishma Ramharack c Davronique Maynard b Shawnisha Hector ..12 (17) Britney Cooper c Jahzara Claxton b Davronique Maynard ..05 (14) Djenaba Joseph Run Out ..06 (14) Anisa Mohammed c Shawnisha Hector b Amanda Edwards ..00 (04) Lee Ann Kirby c Shawnisha Hector b Amanda Edwards ..17 (24) Amelia Khan c & b Rozel Liburd ..01 (04) Kirbyina Alexander Run Out ..01 (03) Brianna Harricharan c Reniece Boyce b Davronique Maynard ..12 (15) Nadia Mohammed Not Out ..00 (04) Shriya Jairam Not Out ..10 Extras (4b-6w) ..74 Total for 9 wickets after 20 overs
..04 (06) Qiana Joseph Run Out ..03 (07) Shawnisha Hector c Djenaba Joseph b Brianna Harricharan ..28 (31) Reniece Boyce c Amelia Khan b Karishma Ramharack ..27 (31) Amanda Edwards c & b Karishma Ramharack ..12 (12) Jahzara Claxton Not Out ..00 (01) Kimberly Anthony c & b Karishma Ramharack ..00 (06) Davronique Maynard b Anisa Mohammed ..00 (03) Rozel Liburd Not Out ..01 Extras (1w) ..74 Total for 6 wickets after 16.1 overs
Fall of Wickets: 1-4 (Joseph), 2-26 (Hector), 3-57 (Edwards), 4-63 (Boyce), 5-63 (Anthony), 6-73 (Maynard)
