WICB rejects WIPA claims of overspending
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — It will cost the West Indies Cricket Board less than US$300,000 to host Hampshire and Somerset for the upcoming Caribbean Twenty20 Championship.
The WICB has responded to concerns from West Indies Players’ Association director Michael Hall that the regional governing body was spending over US$1 million to lure the two English county sides for the premier regional T20 competition.
“WICB will spend less than US$300,000 for all airfares and appearance fees for the two English teams to participate in the CT20,” said a WICB media release yesterday.
“Contrary to public attempts at misinformation, the two English teams will not pocket US$1 million from CT20.”
The media release added: “All invited teams will share the same hotels and hotel arrangements as the regional teams.
“An increase from eight to 10 teams, and 16 to 24 matches from the 2010 CT20 [means] increased match operating and logistics costs, accommodation and travel expenses, and television production costs.”
The WICB also reiterated that the CT20 was its marquee tournament, and required a larger investment than other regional tournaments, noting earlier comments from Chief Executive Officer Ernest Hilaire.
“CT20 is not yet a profit making venture and is still in the investment phase,” he said in an earlier interview.
“WICB has put the necessary plans in place to ensure that the tournament shows a long term return on investment.”
The WICB also outlined that it was currently investing in player and cricket development more than ever before, including junior development programmes, women’s cricket, its high-performance centre, the A-Team, and elite players’ training camps.
On Wednesday, WIPA expressed great concern about the US$3-million price tag, which the WICB had placed on the CT20.
The regional players’ body noted that the WICB would have spent over US$6 million in the past seven months on two CT20 tournaments, and they are yet to find a sponsor for this and other regional and international tournaments, despite WIPA’s willingness to assist.
