Exhibition games to replace tour by B’dos blind/visually impaired cricketers
A scheduled tour of Jamaica by blind and visually impaired cricketers from Barbados has been called off.
Steve Ashman, cricket development manager for Jamaica’s blind and visually impaired cricket programme, told the Jamaica Observer by telephone that the tour fell through after the Barbadians reported that they were unable to secure airline seats.
Ashman said exhibition games involving local players will now replace those against Barbados. The first game is set for the Noranda Bauxite ground in St Ann on Monday, July 31.
Other exhibition games are scheduled for the Ultimate Ground in St Ann on August 3, the Allan Rae Oval in Westmoreland on August 4, Manley Horne Park in St Elizabeth on August 5, and Treasure Beach Sports Club in St Elizabeth on August 6.
The Barbadians had been scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Saturday July 29, Ashman said.
He thanked sponsors, including Noranda Bauxite, Wata, Hi-Lyte Sport Drink, Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Grace Foods, Manley Horne Park, Jake’s Hotel, Allan Rae Oval, Ultimate, Powerade Sports Drink, and Vitamalt for their support.
Ashman said the generosity of sponsors has kept the blind and visually impaired cricket programme going after a near three-year break caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.