ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Captain Dwayne Bravo has raised strong objections after the words 'Trinidad and Tobago' were dropped from Red Steel for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which began in Grenada at the weekend.

The experienced West Indies all-rounder and Trinidad and Tobago national says those responsible for the name change are a 'bunch of jokers'.

The CPL has confirmed that the request for the removal of the Trinidad and Tobago name from the Red Steel franchise had come from the minister of sport, Anil Roberts.

national colours

"I think whoever made that decision, it's uncalled for. Ninety per cent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours," said Bravo.

"All the other islands are proud to use their country's name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?

Bravo made his comments after Red Steel registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over the Barbados Tridents in the first round of matches at the national stadium here.

He led with a half-century along with Ross Taylor after the Trinidadian bowlers restricted the Tridents.

"I play a lot, heart and souls for Trinidad and Tobago. I've done a lot for my country and will continue to do so," he told reporters here.

"The people in the front are the ones who are gonna suffer the most to know that our country (name) has been removed and, at the end of the day, we are representing Trinidad and Tobago, and that brand is very important for me, and I'm going to continue to use Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team."

The sports minister has defended the name change, saying 'Trinidad and Tobago' is exclusive to national teams.

"This CPL franchise (the Red Steel) is not a national team and does not consist wholly and solely of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago," said Roberts.

"Therefore, they have no permission whatsoever to utilise the brand of Trinidad and Tobago, which must be jealously guarded for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago."