The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will make their debut in the Caribbean Premier League against the St Lucia Zouks on 24 June. They will be coached by Eric Simons, who will be experiencing the Biggest Party in Sport for the first time.
We caught up with the South African to ask him about all things Patriots ahead of the tournament…
Q: How much are you looking forward to the 2015 Caribbean Premier League?
A: I’m really excited to be part of this tournament. I love spending time in the West Indies and the CPL is a tournament that is growing all of the time. As it’s going to be my first time coaching in the competition, it’s going to be a good challenge as well to bring together 15 players who I am getting to know at the moment.
"We needed a dynamic playmaker with a bit of mystery about him and Afridi fitted the bill" - Eric Simons
Q: How are you going to use your experiences in the IPL when you start working with the Patriots?
A: I was involved in the IPL for a long time as a coach and this year I’ve had the chance to sit back and watch as a fan. I’ve got some ideas of what I want to bring to the Patriots. The key thing for me is about consistency. We have to find a cause and a focus and this will help the team grow and develop.
Q: As you are the new franchise, does it make this tournament slightly easier as no-one will be expecting to win the title?
A: That’s an interesting question. Outside the island I am sure there people will be looking at us and not expecting big things. We will be the underdogs for sure as we haven’t got a core team like some of the other established franchises. But we will relish that label as underdogs and I’m sure the island will be really excited that we are part of the competition, especially if we start winning some matches.
A: That’s an interesting question. Outside the island I am sure there people will be looking at us and not expecting big things. We will be the underdogs for sure as we haven’t got a core team like some of the other established franchises. But we will relish that label as underdogs and I’m sure the island will be really excited that we are part of the competition, especially if we start winning some matches.
Q: Marlon Samuels is going to captaining the team, how excited are you that he is going to lead the franchise?
A: It’s great to have him on board. We’ve chatted a few times and it’s important to have a leader like him. He’s a West Indian icon and has the ability to win games with bat and ball. He’ll bring a calmness to the team and it helps he has a good understanding of the opposition.
A: It’s great to have him on board. We’ve chatted a few times and it’s important to have a leader like him. He’s a West Indian icon and has the ability to win games with bat and ball. He’ll bring a calmness to the team and it helps he has a good understanding of the opposition.
"If you're after one name to look out for, it's South Africa left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi" - Eric Simons
Q: Speaking of Shahid Afridi, was it easy to make him the first pick in the Player Draft back in February?
A: We did have a lot of conversations about the number one pick and who to pick. We knew we needed a dynamic playmaker with a bit of mystery about him and Afridi fitted the bill. Marlon was very clear he wanted to take Shahid with the first pick. So in the end it was fairly easy, yes.
A: We did have a lot of conversations about the number one pick and who to pick. We knew we needed a dynamic playmaker with a bit of mystery about him and Afridi fitted the bill. Marlon was very clear he wanted to take Shahid with the first pick. So in the end it was fairly easy, yes.
Q: What is he (Afridi) going to bring to the franchise and the CPL?
A: Like I said, he’s dynamic. He has the ability to change the game with bat and ball. More importantly, though, he really understands what role he needs to play. He’s a really confident person with a great character. I am sure it will be great for the youngsters to be around him. I know I’m excited to work with him.
A: Like I said, he’s dynamic. He has the ability to change the game with bat and ball. More importantly, though, he really understands what role he needs to play. He’s a really confident person with a great character. I am sure it will be great for the youngsters to be around him. I know I’m excited to work with him.
Q: Apart from the established players, is there anyone else that we should be watching from the Patriots?
A: For me it’s an exciting squad. But if you’re after one name look out for the South Africa left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. No-one’s really seen him but Marlon was impressed and keen to have him on board after playing against him in a tour game for the West Indies. He could be a bit of a surprise package.
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