CEO Miller: Tallawahs can retain CPL title
Published:Saturday | July 1, 2023 | 1:18 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Jeff Miller, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Tallawahs, says the franchise’s management has selected all the players that they need in order to lift a fourth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title.
“Absolutely, based on what we had last year we complemented the players that were retained, so we think that we’re in a good position this year to defend the title,” he told The Gleaner stated after yesterday’s draft.
With the lack of an obvious superstar T20 player, Miller pointed that out that this move was a strategic one that he hopes will work magic again, similar to what led the Tallawahs to their third title. In his opinion, having a superstar player in the ranks doesn’t automatically translate to a title-winning season.
“Superstars don’t win tournaments, it takes a team that plays together, one that is hungry and wants to show that they have the ability, and we proved that last year. It’s a formula that worked last year and we’re going to use it again this year,” Miller said.
The Tallawahs CEO also explained that they focused on strengthening the team’s death bowling which was bolstered by the acquisition of Naveen Ul Haq and Hayden Walsh Jr.
“I think our death bowling is better this year. We brought in Naveen Ul Haq and we know his credentials. We also added Hayden Walsh Jr who had a fantastic season, two years ago playing with the West Indies, and any leg-spinner can have a devastating effect in T20 cricket. So, I think our bowling is good,” he said.
MAKE OR BREAK SEASON?
When asked on whether this CPL season will be a make or break one for all-rounder Fabian Allen, Miller stated that the coaching staff already knows the potential that Allen has and following the departure of Rovman Powell, he (Fabian Allen) now has the opportunity to take his game to another level.
“We all know the capabilities of Fabian Allen and we are looking towards him again this year. With the loss of Rovman Powell he has the opportunity to take his game to a different level,” Miller concluded.
Top order batter and local boy Brandon King was yesterday named captain of the Jamaica Tallawahs. King was the team’s leading run scorer last year. He scored 422 runs from 12 innings at an average of 38.36.
Jamaica Tallawahs 2023 CPL squad: Brandon King – captain, Imad Wasim, Fabian Allen, Mohammad Amir, Naveen UL Haq, Chris Green, Jermaine Blackwood, Shamarh Brooks, Hayden Walsh Jr, Raymon Reifer, Amir Jangoo, Steven Taylor, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Kirk McKenzie, Joshua James.