Andre Fletcher loathing Patriots’ poor displays in the CPL as they finish the season with their 9th successive loss.
Andre Fletcher of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots didn’t hold back following his team’s ninth consecutive loss to Trinbago Knight Riders in Tarouba to close the CPL 2024 season.
They dropped Pooran at least four times on Sunday alone, and the TKR batsman then masterfully chased 194 with an undefeated 93 off 43 balls. They had missed at least 23 catches throughout the tournament, according to Fletcher, which cost them several games.
“The guys [bowlers] executed well and dropping five catches in a crucial game, especially a world-class player as Pooran…I know, but not many people know, we dropped 28 catches in the tournament,” Fletcher said. “As a fielding team, it’s poor, way below poor. It actually cost us a lot of games, which we lost.”
Despite the fact that the Patriots lost their opening game of the season by a slim margin, Fletcher commended his teammates for supporting one another during the tournament. In 20 games over the past two seasons, the Patriots have only managed two victories.
“Knowing that it was a bit hard and tough for us losing, but tried to keep the team together as much as possible,” Fletcher said. “We had a lot of team-bonding activities. Yes, as much as we weren’t showing it on the field, but sometimes when teams lose, you tend to have a lot of bickering in the team, but we never had that. We stuck together and we gelled as a team and it’s just sad that the result didn’t show. But I must say that we stick as a family.
“Just want to apologise to the St Kitts and Nevis fans. I know you guys are hurt, so am I. Unfortunately we didn’t get it well this year, hopefully, next year it will be better.”
With a strike rate of just under 150 and an average of 31.80 throughout 10 innings, Fletcher had a successful campaign with the bat. Along the process, Fletcher rose to become the CPL’s all-time leading scorer; however, Johnson Charles, whose team advanced to the playoffs, has a chance to overtake him.
“I’m very pleased, to be honest, [with my batting],” Fletcher said. “People tend to remember the last thing you do. I really wanted to come out here and show what I’m worth. I’m happy to put on a great total for the team but unfortunately we didn’t get over the line. But that’s how cricket goes at times.”