TRINIDAD and Tobago received a welcome boost to their Champions League hopes yesterday with the news that they will not have go through the qualifying phase this time around.
The tournament bowls off from September 17-October 6 later this year in India. The “Red Force”, captained by Denesh Ramdin, have been placed in Group ‘B’ alongside Titans (South Africa), Brisbane Heat (Australia), 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) runners-up and a qualifier.
Group “A” consists of Highveld Lions (South Africa), Perth Scorchers (Australia), 2013 IPL champions, IPL third-placed team and a Champions League qualifier.
Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Denesh Ramdin, captain of TT, was in a euphoric mood and believes a direct entry to the Champions League main draw will help facilitate a deep progress into the competition.
Last year, the national team were forced for the second year in a row to go through qualifiers but stumbled in their opening match and were knocked out. The team returned home winless as their second fixture was washed out.
“I’m happy we are in the main draw. We won’t have to play to get into the tournament this time. Last year we had to work twice as hard to get in and then one game and we were out. All our preparations went down the drain. It was an unfortunate tournament for us. Five months preparation and to get knocked out in two days was difficult for me and the players,” he explained.
Asked about TT’s chances of a fairytale run a la 2009 where a Daren Ganga-led team went to the final, Ramdin did not make any predictions but said he remains optimistic.
The local team may have to do without a number of their top players as there are six locals currently competing in the IPL including Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Kevon Cooper and Ravi Rampaul.
And with four teams from IPL — three in the main draw and one having to qualify — in the Champions League, it is highly likely that this country may not be at full strength for the Champions League.
“It all depends on whose team qualifies. Whoever we have available, it is an opportunity for us and the younger ones to step up. Every tournament you go into, you go with the intention of going all the way. There will be teams from all around the world coming to play for the same prize so it will be exciting,” he declared.