JAMAICA and West Indies fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh was blocked from entering the North Stand at Sabina Park during the regional four-day match between Jamaica and the Combined Campuses and Colleges yesterday.

The Jamaica Observer understands that Walsh, who has the northern bowling end of the Sabina venue named in his honour, attempted to gain access to the elevators at the North Stand, but was prevented by security at the venue.

It is reported that security personnel was adamant that the 50-year-old Walsh, commonly called ‘Cuddy’, needed requisite identification or a pass to gain access to that area of the ground.

The secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Fritz Harris said he was aware of the “unfortunate” incident and had sent an apology to Walsh. Harris said the security officer was following instructions.

“I am aware of what happened. It’s really an unfortunate situation. In fact, I sent Cuddy an apology and also reminded him of the security policy, but I have not yet received a response.

“The security officer was right… they are given strict instructions not to allow people without IDs to enter,” the JCA secretary told the Jamaica Observer.

Telephone calls to contact Walsh proved futile yesterday.

In the meantime, Harris explained that Walsh is privy to a pass that would have allowed him entry.

“He (Walsh) should have collected his pass and that would have given him access to everywhere he wanted to go,” Harris said, while adding that the security officer claimed to not have recognised Walsh.

Walsh, a cricket ambassador, played for the West Indies between 1984 and 2001, and took 519 Test wickets in 132 matches at an average of 24.44