Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard is calling for more cricket in the region, amidst the emergence of THE 6IXTY

BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS - SEPTEMBER 03: Dwayne Bravo (C) of Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots toss the coin as Kieron Pollard (R) of Trinbago Knight Riders and match referee Denavon Hayles (L) look on during the Men's 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League match 5 between Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Trinbago Knight Riders at Warner Park Sporting Complex on September 3, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Despite the unveiling of the just-concluded 10-over competition dubbed THE 6ICTY, former West Indies white-ball captain, Kieron Pollard has resumed his cry for even more cricket to be played in the Caribbean.

“I have been advocating for [more cricket in the region],” he said. I said it after the last World Cup campaign, as well. That is how a lot of cricketers have been unearthed in the Caribbean: with our local tournaments.”

Pollard explained, “The Caribbean Premier League is great for the Caribbean players, in terms of a financial point of view.”

“[It is] great for the viewership. It’s great for everybody. But in terms of development, we have five overseas players come [into the squads], four can play at a time. So that leaves seven local [players] – I don’t think that is enough to see the emerging talent.”

As direct as ever, the Trinidadian went on, “At the end of the day, the franchise owners and sponsors are putting in a lot of money to see good cricket.”

“And I don’t think they are looking just for development. They are looking to win, they are looking to be known on the global scene.

“So I said, and I’ll say it again. Yes, I think we need another tournament so we can continue to bridge the gap of getting our players through. I think THE 6IXTY was a good start but it’s only 10-over cricket. So guys have to go from ball one.

“You want to be able to unearth new talent not only for T20 cricket but for 50-over and Test Cricket, so we can have longevity in the sport and be able to compete at the highest level on a consistent basis,” he concluded.