The President of the Dominica Cricket Association (DCA), Clement Marcellin, has expressed his disappointment over the Government of Dominica’s decision not to host matches for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 due to the country’s inability to meet implementation timelines.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in the West Indies and the United States in June 2024, had shortlisted Dominica as a potential host for one group stage match and two games in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. This was contingent on the fulfillment of various obligations outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Efforts were made to upgrade and enhance the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth, including the creation of additional pitches. However, the contractors’ timelines indicated that the work would not be completed before the tournament’s commencement. Consequently, the Government of Dominica decided it would not be prudent to commit to hosting these games.
Marcellin told Dominica News Online, in an exclusive interview, “It was something that we as the Dominica Cricket Association were looking forward to because of the tremendous opportunities that it offers, for not just the cricket fraternity, but as well for all Dominicans.” He highlighted the potential benefits for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and vendors, stating, “It really benefits a broad cross section of our country.”
The DCA president further believes that World Cup cricket in Dominica would provide a good opportunity to showcase on the “world stage”, what Dominica has to offer. “I guess the Government wasn’t in a position to make the most of this opportunity and unfortunately we were left behind,” he lamented.
Despite the setback, Marcellin remains optimistic about the future of cricket in Dominica. He emphasized the importance of having a proper plan for the development of sports, which includes not only infrastructure but also maintenance and strategic positioning to maximize opportunities. He also suggested that more investments should be made in other sporting facilities in Dominica.
Marcellin concluded by saying, “We look forward in the future, that will not reoccur and at the end of the day all will stand to benefit in one way or the other throughout sport and ensuring that the aim of inspiring young talent and inspiring young people into something positive would not be eroded by this one mishap, but it would further send a clear signal of the need for greater investment in sports and something that can really help to foster the sense of national pride.”
Just recently Senator Oscar George, Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, urged the Dominican public to maximize the benefits of international cricket games in Dominica.
George’s call came as Dominica, one of seven Caribbean venues for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, was preparing to host the event at Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
George highlighted the significant economic impact of hosting cricket games, despite the high cost, and expressed delight at Dominica being chosen as a venue.
He commended the governments of the seven Caribbean countries for their willingness to host the games and praised the ministry staff for their diligence in the bidding process.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that games will be hosted in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and three venues in the USA.
Marcellin will be the guest on a new DNO feature, “ASK DNO”, the public will get the opportunity to ask relevant questions on topics in the news and other important issues.
Our live interview with Marcellin will deal with ICC World Cup cricket and other cricket matters and take place from 2:30pm on Wednesday 6th December, 2023.
dint every be disappointed with your music maker PM….he is only interested in sewo….u see all utilities going up…..right ? d election fever done so now start to feel the pain….he can be bothered because all of them got their big increase
WITH POWER CUTS ,NO AIRPORT, FEW BANKS, AND BUS TRANSPORTATION, ICC MADE A GOOD POINT 👉, LEVEL UP DOMINICA.
Bro there is an IPL league that recruits players as professionals. let’s up the level of local cricket. set up clubs an frequently matches invite a team from India to come play a few games against Dominica best. that way there is open to exposure so maybe a few of our talent can get to go make a living playing IPL. let’s think outside the crease.
@LC Matthew
Your comment has no connection to what Mr Marcellin is lamenting…!
My bad I did not see the instructions that say comment on what was above.
Here for your understanding. over the past few years very few Dominicans made regional team. while we here on game not being played let’s see if we can get local players get to the new opportunities outside the west indies bubble. what is done is done