International stars jostle for Bermuda Smash inclusion
Nineteen overseas players are vying for the 12 available spots at the Bermuda Smash Invitational player draft later this month.
With the explosive action scheduled from May 30 to June 6 at North Field, National Sports Centre, six foreign players are in line for a return if they are drafted on April 24.
Gerhard Erasmus, the former Namibia captain, Australian Marcus Bean, South African-born Chad Bowes, Raj Nannan, from the United States, Justin Manick, of Trinidad & Tobago, and Akeem Jordan, from Barbados, are some of the players seeking a return to the T20 tournament.
Erasmus, Bowes, Nannan, Bean and Jordan were drafted from the start last year, while Manick was brought in as a replacement for the injured Keemo Paul in the Smith’s Sixers squad for the play-offs.
Among those who could be playing in the tournament for the first time is Anthony Mosca. The Australian-born Italy batter made history with his brother Justin at the T20 World Cup in February, when they became the first siblings to each score half-centuries when setting the highest sibling partnership of 124 runs in T20 World Cup cricket.
James Seymour, who appeared 14 times in the Big Bash League across stints with Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars, could also be heading to these shores.
Jekon Edness, one of the Smash organisers, indicated that the window is still open for domestic cricketers to register their interest for the draft.
“Local player registration ends next Wednesday, April 15,” Edness said.
“We’ll have a full reflection of the people who registered thereafter and the actual draft takes place on April 24 at Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club.
“We have 19 overseas players for the draft. From that list, only 12 will be drafted into the teams.”
Meanwhile, CG Insurance remain title sponsors of the Smash. Naz Farrow, chief executive officer of CG, shared how pleased they were to continue with the partnership.
“We are proud to continue as title sponsor of the Bermuda Smash Invitational,” she said.
“This tournament represents more than just cricket — it’s about community, opportunity and showcasing Bermuda on the global stage.
“We’re excited to see how BSI continues to grow and inspire both players and fans alike.”
The Government of Bermuda also remains a key partner in the tournament’s continued success, with sports minister Owen Darrell highlighting the event’s role in sport, tourism and the economy.
“The Bermuda Smash Invitational represents a powerful platform for showcasing our sporting talent while driving tourism and economic activity,” he said.
“We are proud to support an event that continues to elevate Bermuda’s profile on the international cricket stage.”
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)
Chad Bowes (New Zealand)
Quentin Sampson (Guyana)
Antony Mosca (Italy)
Raj Nannan (United States)
Jyd Goolie (Trinidad & Tobago)
Kofi James (Antigua)
Brett Hampton (Nee Zealand)
James Seymour (Australia)
Kelvin Pittman (Trinidad & Tobago)
Akeem Jordan (Barbados)
Justin Manick (Trinidad & Tobago)
Zachary McCaskie (Barbados)
Shaquan Belle (Barbados)
Virandeep Singh (Malaysia)
Marcus Bean (Australia)
Zishan Motara (Barbados)
Cameron Hemp (England)
Jamal Richards (Jamaica)
