Qualifying for playoffs is the first step for Pollard

While all the other captains conducted their virtual press conference in their hotel rooms at the Hilton, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard had the luxury of speaking to the media during an outdoor practice session.

The hosts, TKR, have been the only team to put in additional training, and they are the last team to enter the bubble. TKR have the oldest and first Indian player in the CPL. Pollard said Praven Tambe has been good during training thus far, and he is looking forward to playing in ‘the biggest party in sport’, and hopefully he shares his experience “while we await more Indian players to arrive in CPL”.

The Pollard-led team have stuck with their core players, and Dwayne Bravo and Fawad Ahmed are the two additions which bring great experience. Pollard also made reference to Sammy, whom he regards as a normal player in the Caribbean. He says that given Sammy’s strong performances in the CPL, he is eligible to play for the West Indies.

“We have made clear to the (new Cricket West Indies) administration that everyone is available for selection in that pool. No one is an exception to the rule. Performances and fitness and everything we are looking for.”
TKR will play the Warriors in their opening match, and qualifying for the playoff is priority. “Guyana got the better of us in 2019, but come this season, that counts for nothing,” Pollard highlighted.

Speaking on playing without fans, Pollard said this is the new way of cricket, but the TKR will miss the fans. “We are always going to play for them. Hopefully, we bring smiles to them in this tournament,” Pollard concluded.