St John’s, Antigua – In light of misleading information in the public domain the WICB presents the following facts and clarifications:
1. WICB will spend LESS than US$300,000 for ALL airfares and appearance fees for the two English teams to participate in the Caribbean Twenty20.
2. Contrary to public attempts at misinformation the two English teams will NOT pocket US$1million from CT20.
3. ALL invited teams will share the same hotels and hotel arrangements as the regional teams.
4. An increase from 8 to 10 teams and 16 to 24 matches from the CT20 2010 necessarily increase match operating and logistics costs, accommodation and travel expenses and television production costs.
5. As the WICB’s identified marquee tournament, Caribbean T20 (complete with full television coverage done for the benefit of players, fans and West Indies cricket as a brand) requires a larger investment than other regional tournaments.
WICB CEO Dr. Ernest Hilaire’s comments have been clear and precise:
1. Caribbean T20 is not yet a profit making venture and is still in the investment phase.
2. WICB has put the necessary plans in place to ensure that the tournament shows a long term return on investment.
The WICB is currently investing in player and cricket development more than ever before.
WICB Development Initiatives
1. Kiddy cricket
2. Youth development programmes
3. Women’s cricket
4. Sagicor High Performance Programme
5. West Indies A Team programme
6. West Indies elite players camps
What about the fans, fanantic, cricket lovers or whatsoever they wished to be called? Is there a chance to win something? WICB must come better than that!
I AGREE!