KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, is optimistic that the return of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches to Jamaica will help strengthen the local cricket programme and rekindle interest in the sport among Jamaicans.

Speaking following the Jamaica Kingsmen’s 51-run victory over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their final home match of this year’s CPL campaign at Sabina Park in Kingston on August 18, Grange said the Government would continue to work closely with Jamaica’s new franchise holders and the CPL to strengthen the sport locally, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for young cricketing talent to develop and thrive.

Grange also underscored the importance of expanding opportunities for women in cricket, noting that the establishment of a women’s league forms part of the sport’s renewed development focus.