Unfortunately, Jamaica won’t be among hosts for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Readers will recall that the Jamaican Government declined the opportunity to host because they felt it would cost too much.

With cricket being among the fastest-growing sporting disciplines globally and prospects of a boost for tourism in the short, medium to long term, six regional nations embraced hosting opportunities.

They are Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Also, three US cities, New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Dallas, will host.

How our region will benefit economically not just from the global T20 tournament but over time from the rapidly expanding and changing environment surrounding cricket is something that has been much to the fore.

Hence, a plan announced by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Mr Keith Rowley acknowledged by Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government at their meeting in Guyana this week for a symposium on cricket, scheduled for April.

Guyana’s President Mr Irfaan Ali reportedly said at the Caricom heads’ closing press conference that the symposium will address “…the business of cricket and ensuring the region remains a viable place for the business of cricket. And that we [Caribbean region] are not pushed out of the business of cricket.”

We expect, that among other aspects, that symposium will be taking a close look at plans announced last October by Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr Kishore Shallow for reforms of the regional game’s governance structure to make it more transparent, accountable, professional and, by extension, business friendly.

Those proposed reforms are in line with the Wehby Report of August 2020 compiled by a task force led by Jamaican business leader Senator Don Wehby.

Briefly, the recommendations included:

* Comprehensive reform of the governance structure using principles of modern, corporate practice inclusive of accountability and transparency;

* Membership of the CWI board of directors to reflect a wide cross section of skills and competencies;

* A smaller, balanced board…including at least two women;

* Redefined roles for president and vice-president to be “board specific and non-executive”;

* Establishment of a Nominations Committee to identify and evaluate potential directors and to nominate future directors and committee members; and

* Reduction in CWI committees.

As this newspaper said in this space last October, “governance changes should make it easier for West Indies cricket to be seen as ‘public good’ rather than a private fiefdom for a chosen few.

“Improved transparency and accountability [should] allow Caribbean governments and private sector to feel more comfortable providing…resource support for Cricket West Indies’ projects and programmes.”

We believe immediate successes on the field can help to motivate that push for improved governance as stakeholders strive for sustainability. The ‘feel-good’ from the recent unexpected 1-1 Test series tie with all-powerful Australia in that country will have helped.

Now, let’s just imagine if the West Indies — former two-time champions — could come out triumphant in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

Finally, we believe Caricom heads deserve applause for reportedly exploring the potential for sport as an effective counter to crime; and also in providing economic options for young people. Way to go, we believe.