ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – With the regional cricket season just days away, Leeward Islands Hurricanes Head Coach Steve Liburd has made his intentions unmistakably clear: this campaign is all about turning promise into silverware.
After a 2024 season that saw the Hurricanes reach the semi-finals of the CG United Super50 Cup and the final of the CWI Breakout League, Liburd believes the time has come for the franchise to finally lift a championship trophy.
“We made it to the semi-finals last year. We lost to Jamaica in this competition,” Liburd recalled. “Hopefully, we’re looking to go two steps further, not just one. We want to play in the finals — and obviously, win the finals.”
The coach’s words carry a quiet conviction born of progress and experience. Now in his second year at the helm, Liburd is determined to reward the Hurricanes’ loyal supporters across the Leeward Islands with tangible success.
“It’s about time we get some hardware for the people of the Leeward Islands,” he said.
Preparation in full swing
The Hurricanes’ training camp has been humming with activity as players regroup from the recent Leeward Islands domestic tournament. Fitness tests, skills sessions, and strategic work have filled the final days before their season opener.
“The guys would have been playing the Leeward Islands tournament last week,” Liburd explained. “We started doing fitness testing, and then we started our skill sessions. So the Leeward Islands have always been a talented team.”
That talent pool is an enviable mix — emerging youth paired with seasoned experience. Liburd cited the likes of Jewel Andrew, Jahmar Hamilton, and West Indies pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph as key pillars of the squad.
From talent to triumph
While acknowledging the raw ability within his ranks, Liburd insists that skill alone will not be enough to seize the moment.
“We have always had a talented team,” he emphasized. “It’s just for us now to get over the line and make the people of the Leeward Islands proud.”
That mental and tactical edge — the difference between contenders and champions — has been a focus of the preseason.
Ambrose’s wisdom a game-changer
Adding gravitas to the Hurricanes’ campaign is the involvement of Sir Curtly Ambrose, the legendary West Indies fast bowler who has taken on a mentoring role. His presence, Liburd says, has already begun to influence the squad’s mentality and execution, particularly among the bowlers.
Ambrose’s experience — spanning decades of elite cricket — is seen as a crucial asset in sharpening the team’s competitive edge.
Season opener: Volcanoes await
The Hurricanes will waste no time testing their mettle. Their Super50 Cup campaign begins next Wednesday against fierce rivals, the Windward Islands Volcanoes, in what promises to be a fiery opening contest.
With ambition high, momentum building, and legends in their corner, the Hurricanes enter the new season not just hoping for improvement — but expecting victory. CNW News
