by 
The Trinbago Young Starz Academy U17 boys cricket team is quickly emerging as one of the brightest prospects in youth cricket across the region. Filled with raw talent, fierce determination, and a passion for the game, this young squad embodies the future of Trinidad and Tobago cricket. From August 7th to 21st, 2025, the team embarked on an exciting and challenging tour to Canada, gaining valuable international experience on foreign pitches. Throughout the tour, the players displayed commendable skill, adaptability, and maturity beyond their years. More than just a competitive outing, the tour offered a platform for growth, exposure, and team bonding. The Young Starz faced tough opposition but never backed down, showing glimpses of brilliance in both the batting and bowling departments. With strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, the team left a lasting impression. As they return home, they carry not only lessons learned but also the belief that they are well on their way to becoming future stars of West Indies cricket.
As part of their Canadian tour, the Trinbago Young Starz Academy U17 team participated in a competitive T20 tournament that featured some of the top youth cricket academies in the region. Among the teams in the lineup were Ontario Cricket Academy, Mississauga-Brampton Academy, Young Stars Cricket Club, AB Warriors Cricket Club, and the Joshua Da Silva Cricket Academy. Each match tested the Trinbago boys’ skills, temperament, and teamwork under pressure. Despite being the visiting team, they held their own with spirited performances and moments of individual brilliance. The Young Starz successfully advanced to the semifinals, a testament to their growing confidence and ability. However, they narrowly missed out on a spot in the final, falling short in a hard-fought contest. While the loss was disappointing, it served as a crucial learning experience for the players. Competing against top-tier talent helped sharpen their game awareness and mental toughness. The tournament not only highlighted their potential but also revealed areas for growth as they continue their journey in the sport.
One of the most memorable and meaningful moments of the tour was the team’s special opportunity to meet with Canadian Government officials – a true honor for the Trinbago Young Starz Academy.
Among the many talented players on tour, three young cricketers stood out with exceptional performances and maturity beyond their years. Leading from the front was Qadeer Juman, affectionately known as “Q,” a 17-year-old student of Hillview College currently in Form 5. A classy left-handed batter and crafty left-arm orthodox spinner, Qadeer captained the side with calm authority and tactical awareness. Backed by a strong and supportive family, he embraced his leadership role, guiding the team with both his performance and presence. Inspired by his favorite cricketer, Ravindra Jadeja, Qadeer aims to make a name for himself in T20 franchise leagues around the world. His consistency with both bat and ball and his ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations made him a pillar of the team throughout the tour.
Another breakout star was Levi Ghanny, or “Lee” as he’s fondly known by teammates. A 17-year-old Upper 6 student at Presentation College, San Fernando, Levi proved himself to be an elite all-rounder with the bat and ball scoring an excellent century and two half centuries. A right-handed batter and right-arm leg-spinner, Levi’s aggressive stroke play and game sense earned him the Best Batter of the Competition (scoring over 300 runs) and the Player of the Tournament award – an outstanding achievement on foreign soil. Off the field, Levi is a devoted family man, a talented guitarist at his church, and an avid fisherman. Inspired by Virat Kohli’s passion and Shane Warne’s craft, Levi dreams of donning West Indies colors within the next two years. Not far behind was 16-year-old Aarion Mohammed, or “Nuts,” a promising left-handed batter and left-arm medium pacer from Naparima College. Aarion is a dynamic young cricketer whose athleticism and mental toughness stood out. With his supportive grandfather, Mr. Ashmeed Mohammed, cheering him on at every game, Aarion delivered key performances throughout the tournament. He’s also a judo practitioner for physical conditioning and shares his home with seven dogs! Inspired by Rishabh Pant and Wasim Akram, Aarion’s ambition is to represent the West Indies in the next five years.
The rest of the squad – Jordan Bryce, Nicholai Castillo, Zaeem Suliman, Vashish Maharaj, Ka’el Dipchan, Fareed Bann, Matthias Mahabir, Declan Manswell, Ismail Ali, Justin Hamid, and Michel Sookdeo – each played important roles in the team’s development and camaraderie on tour. Just to note, Vashish took 7 wickets for 7 runs in the quarterfinals which included 3 maidens. An excellent effort by this young man from Guaico Tamana who also got the award for best bowler of the tournament. Special credit must go to the hardworking Manager Ravi Ramdenny and Head Coach Dominic Ramsaran, who did a phenomenal job keeping the boys focused, disciplined, and motivated. As Assistant Coach, I was privileged to learn from these two seasoned professionals and gained invaluable experience that I will carry with me moving forward in youth cricket development.
One of the most memorable and meaningful moments of the tour was the team’s special opportunity to meet with Canadian Government officials – a true honor for the Trinbago Young Starz Academy. The boys had the privilege of meeting Councillor Miss Monica Singh Soares, Member of Parliament Mr. Amarjeet Gill (Brampton West), and MPP Mr. Graham McGregor (Brampton North) during their stay in Brampton. This marked the first time the Academy has been formally recognized by government representatives in any country it has toured. It was a proud and humbling experience that highlighted the growing connection between Canada and Trinidad & Tobago through cricket. For the young players, it reinforced the importance of being ambassadors of their country, both on and off the field. Playing in unfamiliar, often challenging conditions, the tour offered valuable lessons in adaptability, mental toughness, and cultural exchange. The average teenager rarely gets the chance to represent their country abroad – let alone meet government leaders – and these boys embraced the experience with pride and maturity. It was not just about cricket; it was about personal growth, national pride, and building bridges through sport.
The Trinbago Young Starz Academy U17 boys’ tour to Canada was a resounding success on multiple levels – athletically, culturally, and personally. The players not only showcased their cricketing skills against top-level opposition but also demonstrated maturity, discipline, and unity throughout the tour. Reaching the semifinals of a competitive T20 tournament, gaining exposure to international conditions, and interacting with Canadian government officials were experiences that will stay with these young men for a lifetime. More than just results on the field, the tour was about development, building character, and laying the foundation for future success. The coaching and management staff did an excellent job in shaping the players both as athletes and as young ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago. This tour has strengthened ties between the cricketing communities of Canada and T&T, opening doors for future collaborations. With continued support and guidance, these boys are well on their way to becoming the next generation of cricketing stars from the Caribbean.
