TT CRICKETER Mark Deyal was one of just seven St Lucia Zouks players retained to the squad for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.
Deyal, who played instrumental roles in carrying the Zouks to last year’s final, was the only TT-born player retained by the franchise for the new season.
He was selected alongside Kesrick Williams and Obed McCoy (both St Vincent), Andre Fletcher (Grenada), Rahkeem Cornwall (Antigua), Roston Chase (Barbados) and Javelle Glen (Jamaica).
According to a statement issued by the St Lucia franchise, on Wednesday, the Zouks have ten spots left to fill in their squad and the remaining players will be announced in the coming weeks.
In the lead up to the 2021 CPL, the Zouks will be making further announcements, all of which are expected to lend to the team’s success this year.
“It’s a good feeling to be retained. The faith they showed in me last year paid off and they have rewarded me with another year. I was happy to be one of the seven,” Deyal said.
The 28-year-old all-rounder said the pandemic and government’s recent implementation of a state of emergency (SoE) has affected his training ahead of the annual tournament.
Prior to the tightening of public restrictions, which forbid the use of gyms and outdoor exercise, Deyal has been working out at home. He has also been using this time to view some of his past performances at the 2020 CPL in an effort to improve his overall performance at this year’s edition.
“I’m looking at ways I can improve certain situations I was in and the mistakes I made. Cricket is something, more often than not, you may be placed back in the same situation.
“It’s to try to right the wrongs, especially in the mental aspect. So when I’m placed in similar situations, I don’t make the wrong decision. Keep fit, doing my training, core and mental work are all my main focus,” he added.
Meanwhile, longstanding St Lucia Zouks all-rounder Daren Sammy stepped down from his role as skipper to become the squad’s T20 cricket consultant and brand ambassador for this season.
The two-time T20 World champion is yet to confirm his retirement from all cricket as he has not played since the 2020 CPL final. He is also now coach of Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi.
On his switch in roles, Sammy said, via the Zouks’ press release, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have led and been a part of the St Lucia Zouks from its inception. Even though some may say good things must come to an end it will not be in this instant.
“St Lucia Zouks and I will always be a team. But since venturing into coaching, I realise I have a new passion that can allow me to still contribute and play a part in taking the franchise forward on its quest to winning a CPL title and developing future stars!”
At last year’s semi-final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Zouks dismissed their opponents for 55 runs – the tournament’s second-lowest score – with Deyal bagging two wicket
