Sporting royalty unites as Falcons soar in thrilling CPL game

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

ON A night that blended cricketing drama with a celebration of Caribbean sporting excellence, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons clinched a nail-biting, six-wicket victory over the Barbados Royals on home turf, just moments after two of the region’s most iconic athletes shared the stage.

The electrifying finish at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, sealed with just two balls to spare, was set against the backdrop of genuine sporting royalty.

Before the first ball was bowled, the stadium’s namesake, the legendary Sir Vivian Richards, officially welcomed Olympic sprint champion Yohan Blake to Antigua in a special ceremony.

The reunion, hosted by the Falcons franchise, rekindled a friendship forged in 2019 when both legends served as ambassadors for the ICC Cricket World Cup in England, even famously batting together in an exhibition match near Buckingham Palace.

“I’m delighted to host my friend Yohan here and to welcome him to Antigua,” said Sir Viv, a national hero.

“He is one of our finest athletes in the Caribbean, an Olympic champion, and that says a lot. It’s wonderful to see him again at my stadium to support the Falcons.”

The Jamaican sprint star was effusive in his praise. “Everyone knows I’m a huge cricket fan,” Blake stated. “I have huge respect and honour for Sir Viv. To walk alongside him in his stadium is just amazing. It’s wonderful to be part of the CPL again this year.”

The presence of the two greats seemed to inspire the home side. In a pulsating affair, the Falcons overcame the two-time CPL champions Royals, avenging losses from the last two meetings.

Sabrina Webster, head of marketing for the Falcons, highlighted the significance of the event.

“To have Sir Viv and Yohan, two greats of sport and good friends, joining us is a dream. This forms part of our objective to uplift the game and showcase the excellence of our heroes.”