US$2.2m to run WICB four-day tournament
IT will cost the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) US$2.2 million to manage this year’s shortened version of the regional four-day tournament, which bowls off today in Jamaica.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by WICB vice-president Dave Cameron following the official launch of the competition at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.
Last year’s tournament, which was extended to 14 rounds, cost the regional board US$3.5 million. But this season the board has reverted to its old format with teams playing each other once because of dwindling earnings attributed to the global recession and the non-acquisition of a title sponsor.
The situation, however, drew the ire of the Caribbean peoples despite the board positing that the decision was simply due to the economics of the times.
This year with seven rounds and increased fees, etc, it’s going to cost us US$2.2 million,” Cameron said in an interview with the Observer.
“So if we had done 14 rounds you’ll be looking at in excess of maybe US$4.5 million. And remember now that this is against the backdrop of a year when we are not receiving any sponsorship and also our revenues for the year are significantly down because we are hosting South Africa and Zimbabwe,” he explained.
At the same time, the WICB had reported that regional fees for players and officials have been increased as well, putting extra strain on its inadequate financial resources.
Due to the deep fall in revenue, the WICB has introduced several new initiatives aimed at saving cost whilst generating crowd support.
For the first time in the history of regional cricket, some WICB matches in its premier competition will be played under lights with pink balls being used.
Additionally, each territory will host a round of matches, a move expected to pull more spectators to the sport as well as to entice sponsors.
According to Cameron, the board remains committed to a home-and-away format which is ideal, but in the present circumstances one has to look at the whole picture that involves other squads and development programmes.
