By Rajiv Bisnauth

GEARED towards providing the best opportunity for the Under-19 cricketers from the Caribbean, six stars from the victorious West Indies Under-19 World Cup squad will feature in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).As per CPL regulations, each franchise is invited to select one player from their home country for the fourth edition of CPL, which will take place from June 29 to August 7.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer while fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and Gidron Pope have also been retained by their home teams St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Zouks respectively.
They have been joined by Anderson Phillip, who will represent Trinbago Knight Riders, Shemar Springer (Barbados Tridents) and Oshane Thomas (Jamaica Tallawahs).
However, Hetmyer during an exclusive interview has expressed delight to be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors line-up.
The 19-year-old indicated that the opportunity is one he is looking forward to, adding that the opportunity is another way he will be able to showcase his talent.
“Last year I was with the squad, but this year I am looking forward to playing some games. This will definitely be another learning experience for me and I want to use the opportunity to develop my game so I am looking forward to it,” he said.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will assemble from June 20 for a one-week encampment.
With the exception of skipper Martin Guptill and spinner Adam Zampa, all the other players will be available for the camp, which will be held under the watchful eyes of head coach Roger Harper.
Guptill is currently playing county cricket in England, while leg-spinner Zampa is part of the Australia set-up for the ongoing Ballr Tri-Nation Series here in the Caribbean.
However, as an initiative geared towards the development of young cricketers, the management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors has widened the pool of Under-19 players, with West Indies Under-19 stars. All-rounder Keemo Paul and wicketkeeper/batsman Tevin Imlach, as well as all-rounder Akshaya Persaud will form the Youth set-up.
The youngsters will train with the squad during the Guyana leg of the Hero CPL.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad & Tobago, St Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia.