The North Zone T20 Festival is set for a moment of pure nostalgia and excitement: Brian Charles Lara, the “Prince of Port of Spain,” will once again stride to the crease in Harvard colours.
In a stunning twist that is sure to electrify cricket fans across the country, the West Indies legend has confirmed his participation in the North Zone T20 Festival 2025, which bowls off on Wednesday, September 10, at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex.
For Lara, it marks a return to the club where his journey first began — The Harvard Club — the nursery that nurtured his batting genius long before he conquered the world with records that still stand unmatched.
The news turns the festival into the must-see sporting spectacle of the season.
Harvard’s opener against Ebony Sports & Cultural on Saturday, September 13, is expected to draw a bumper crowd.
Supporters are expected to flock to witness the 56-year-old maestro wield the willow once more.
“This is more than just a cricket match,” North Zone president Winston Sobers said. “It’s history meeting the present. Lara’s return to Harvard is a celebration of community, talent, and the magic that first made us fall in love with cricket.”
Harvard, drawn in Group 1 alongside Combine All Stars, Santa Cruz Sports, Barataria Ball Players, and Ebony Sports, suddenly find themselves thrust into the spotlight.
Their clashes against Combine All Stars (Sept 16) and defending champions Santa Cruz Sports (Sept 23) will now carry an extra layer of drama, as fans dream of Lara inspiring a fairytale run to the semi-finals.
Group 2 includes Glenora Sports, North Side Future Stars, last year’s runners-up Savannah Boys, Bourg Mulatresse CCC, and Shannon Sports.
The action begins with a clash between Barataria Ball Players and Santa Cruz Sports under lights at 6:30 p.m. on opening night.
The festival culminates with semi-finals on September 27 and the grand finale on September 28.
But whatever the outcome, one storyline already shines brightest: the Prince is back, and is set to light up Diego Martin a few more magical evenings in the North Zone T20 Festival.
