Defending Champions Belair Stars have now moved to second on the points tables in the A&A Auto/Fushion Boutique Champions of Champions T-20 Tapeball Tournament after their win over combined stars at Weymouth in the latest fixture. Combine Stars batted first posting 119 for eight in 17.2 overs before rain put a temporary halt to play. Tarik Shorey was unbeaten on 48. Belair Stars were set a revised 124 in 18 overs, and reached that target, losing only three wickets. Jadan Jones led with 39 and Kadeem Alleyne was not out on 30. The next match is tonight between A&A Strikers and Blazers from 7:30 p.m., again at Weymouth.

West Indies will be without some key players for the opening test against hosts Pakistan starting in Multan early tomorrow morning. With a 12-man squad already in place, the final eleven will be confirmed just before play, but due to illness, there will be no Kemar Roach, vice-captain Joshua DaSilva or Anderson Phillips. West Indies’ Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has acknowledged their opponents’ dominance in home conditions, and while addressing the pre-series media conference today, he expressed the determination to still do well. Play is set to start at 1:30 a.m. (Video courtesy of CWI)

Caribbean regional integration must be treated with a sense of urgency in 2025 if the region expects to survive global challenges. This warning from veteran political scientist, Dr. George Belle, who spoke exclusively with CBC. Dr. Belle explained that with the current crises relating to climate, inflation and global supply chains, the region must unite to survive. The retired Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences further explained that uncertainties at the global level, including the incoming Trump presidency will require a united approach by the region. With Barbados’ Prime Minister assuming chairmanship of the regional grouping, Dr. Belle gave his views on the prospects of regional integration. Dr. Belle continued to reflect on 2024 and speak of the major discussions the nation will have in 2025. He believes that the constitution reform process must be handled maturely and with a deep level of understanding of the current constitution and how the system of Government functions.