ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies Cricket Board chief Julian Hunte says he expects the standard of cricket in the President’s Cup to be of a high quality.

“Over the years we have seen some outstanding performances in the West Indies one-day tournament and we expect more brilliant efforts from the players in this year’s edition … each match will be crucial to the overall outcome so we know everyone will be keen to do well,” Hunte said Tuesday ahead of the start of the region’s premier limited overs tournament in Guyana today.

“Fans will see the best the region has to offer and we expect large crowds to come out and support the matches. The people of Guyana are known for their love of the game and this is another opportunity for them to be involved.

“The semi-finals and final will be played under lights at the wonderful Guyana National Stadium so this is an added attraction for spectators.”

The 50-over-per-side tournament will feature 15 matches over six match days, with defending champions Trinidad & Tobago clashing with powerhouses Jamaica in the feature game of the first round.

Eight teams will participate in the tournament with Zone A comprising T&T, Jamaica, Windward Islands and Combined Campuses and College while Zone B will see action among Guyana, Barbados, Leeward Islands and the West Indies Under-19s. The West Indies Under-19s will use the tournament as preparation for the ICC Under-19 tournament scheduled for New Zealand in January, a move Hunte said he fully endorsed.

“The President’s Cup will give the West Indies Under-19 a good chance to get fully ready for the ICC World Cup,” he contended.

“They will have the chance to play together and form a good unit on and off the field, as well as getting much needed preparation for the global tournament in New Zealand.

“Their involvement is very important as we look at developing the future of West Indies cricket.”