|
BY
NAZ YACOOB
Trinidad and Tobago reacted angrily and with dismay yesterday
following the news that the Queen’s Park Oval—arguably
the Caribbean’s most celebrated cricket grounds, will
host only six first round matches in the 2007 World Cup.
Jamaica, the home of Chris Dehring, the man who spearheaded
the region’s bid to host the tournament, and who is the
chief executive and managing director of WI World Cup 2007,
has been awarded the prestigious opening ceremony along with
one semifinal and six first round matches. In addition Jamaica
will host the West Indies team.
The final will be staged in Barbados, where Teddy Griffith,
current President of the WICB, resides. The Bajans will also
host ‘three of the largest Super Eight matches and three
other Super Eight matches,”
The announcements were made on Tuesday night at the Ritz Carlton
Hotel, Montego Bay, Jamaica during the “Award of Matches”
ceremony. (See Page 94 for full listing).
Attorney Elton Prescott, a member of the eight-man local bid
committee, was among the disappointed. “If it weren’t
such a serious matter, I would say it is not cricket and we
have a right to feel quite browned off. But I am sure we will
enjoy the World Cup.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club,
Roger Henderson said the package was totally unexpected and
was not in line of what was bid for.
“And
like the rest of country, I am disappointed, and moreso, we
would not have a chance to see West Indies in action,”
Henderson remarked.
Former Sports Minister, Manohar Ramsaran, said as an avid
cricket fan and supporter, he too was disappointed. “I
am sure that this package was given to us as a result of the
lackadaisical manner in the which the Government handled the
situation with reference to the bids of hosting of matches.
“Imagine
not even a quarter-final match for T&T, with one of the
best grounds in the world—Queen’s Park Oval.
“This
is the price we pay for incompetence. I am calling on all
cricketers and cricket fans to let their voices be heard.
As a cricket loving nation why were we allowed to be treated
in this manner?” Ramsaran asked.
Former T&T and West Indies opening batsman Bryan Davis
said that it was an insult to all supporters and by extension
the entire country.
Davis said T&T, together with Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana
formed the first West Indies Cricket Board, and since then
we have not stopped climbing the ladder of progress.
“I
am very disappointed. We have gone from strength to strength
and have hosted the most Tests and One-Day matches in the
region. Could you imagine, we are not even able to get some
of the Super Eight matches?” Davis lamented.
Baldath Mahabir, second vice-president of the T&T Cricket
Board, was of the view that the present government had an
influential role, when the decision was made.
“I
am deeply disappointed. However, I am not shockingly surprised—given
the fact that the government sent a clear message a long time
ago, that we will accept whatever is offered. I am very much
the wiser now, after the bids were announced that we did not
do the right thing,” Mahabir said.
Former Guardian Sports Editor, Eustace Ward, said that the
Sports Ministry appeared to have politicised the matter to
the country’s detriment.
“T&T’s
cavalier approach to the bidding process and its “Big
Brother” attitude to Caricom partners, which was arrogant
in its suggestion of they needing the exposure more, effectively
said the country did not care one way or the other. The Sports
Minister appears to have politicised the matter to the country’s
detriment.”
Also expressing disappointment were Sports Administrator and
former executive member of the TTCB, Desmond Baxter and ex-T&T
and West Indies off-spinner Rangy Nanan. Both said that it
was a big blow for the T&T cricket loving public.
|
