The Bermuda Cricket Board and the Cricket Committee have announced the first Twenty20 All-Star Classic at Somerset Bridge Recreation Club on September 12.

The intent of the All-Star Classic is to highlight the elite players in our leagues and promote community spirit. The All-Star Classic will see the First and Premier Divisions, compete as a BCB President’s and Vice-President’s XI in their respective divisions. The players and coaching staff will be selected by the BCB National Team Selection Committee, led by Dwayne Leverock.

The announcement of the selected players will be made on Tuesday at 1pm via the Bermuda Cricket Board Facebook page.

Peter Philpot, BCB High Performance chairman, said: “As the chair of the High Performance Committee, we fully support this new initiative.

“The First All-Star Classic will provide a best versus best based on the 2020 season.

“The long-term effect will see us aim to establish an emerging talent team to create a more efficient introduction to our senior national team programmes.”

Steven Douglas, BCB Cricket Committee chairman, added: “As the new chair, one of my mandates proposed by the committee was to breathe life into our annual competitions.

“After ten to 15 years of league, cup and knockout competitions, the time is right to add an All-Star Classic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has allowed the BCB to think outside of the box and review all of our protocols and mandates.

“Through the All-Star Classic we will be able to encourage more players to make themselves available for national team selection, add another fixture into our annual calendar and improve our national teams at all levels.

“We must begin to play more cricket and extend our season beyond the traditional four months if we wish to remain competitive in the ICC Americas region and full ICC tournaments.”