Nagico Insurance is no longer sponsoring the regional Super50 cricket tournament and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is in search of a new sponsor.
Nagico had signed on for three years in 2014 and Guardian Media has been informed that they did not renew the sponsorship for a new term. It is understood that the difficult economic times being faced by the region as a whole, was the driver behind the decision by the regional company. As a result, the WICB has been out and about looking for a new sponsor but none can be confirmed at this point in time.
Meanwhile, the 2017 edition will be played in Antigua and Barbados with the former hosting the semis and final. It bowls of on January 24 and ends on February 18.
T&T Red Force will be based in Antigua and will come up against Kent Spitfires the invited team from England. The seven-times county champions are set to compete in a recognised overseas tournament for the first time.
In addition to the Red Force, Kent will face Under 19 world champions West Indies, Windward Islands and Leeward Islands in the group stages of the tournament which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Antigua and Barbados.
Kent Cricket CEO Jamie Clifford said: "It is a huge honour for Kent Cricket to be invited by West Indies Cricket Board to join their domestic 50-over competition in early 2017.
“It will be the perfect opportunity to play competitive off-season cricket and good overseas experience for the players. We look forward to helping make the competition a big success and introducing the Spitfires to cricket supporters in the Caribbean."
West Indies Cricket Board Operations Manager Roland Holder said: “Regional players will have an opportunity to test their skills against their contemporaries from another region. We anticipate keen contests with our Franchise Teams. We are pleased to welcome them.”
The fourth edition of the tournament will precede a three-match ODI series against England scheduled for March.
Super-50 groups:
Group A: Kent Spitfires, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, West Indies U19s, Windward Islands Volcanoes.
Group B: Barbados Pride, Guyana Jaguars, CCC Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions, ICC Americas.