Protect Jamaica’s cricket legacy – WIPA boss

FORMER WEST Indies and Jamaica player Wavell Hinds is hoping that all is not lost, as news recently came to the fore that Jamaica was not among the seven nations from the Caribbean to have submitted hosting bids for the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup.

Following widespread condemnation, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, on Wednesday, said the Government is still considering a bid to host matches.

Minister Grange said while the Government sees the benefit of hosting T20 World Cup games, it has to match that against the “tremendous cost” involved.

She said it’s estimated to cost more than $450 million to bid and host a few games, including infrastructure upgrades to match and practice venues.

Hinds outlined that bidding to host games at the global showpiece has significant impact, highlighting its social, infrastructural and economic benefit to the country, the largest English-speaking nation in the Caribbean that plays cricket.

“Cricket, in itself, is a social engineering tool that has been used to advance the Caribbean civilization, and it continues to do so on a daily basis. Any global event will certainly add value and strengthen the fabric of cricket and the social aspect of life. We are all about Caribbean civilization, and cricket has played its part and that cannot be erased from our history,” said Hinds.

NO EXCUSE

Hinds, the current West Indies Players Association president, says the notion that the venture is costly should not be an excuse, as there are far more benefits to hosting these kinds of world-class events on home soil.

“It would cost Jamaica in excess of US $2 million, but the return on that investment would be tenfold. as we would be looking at US20 to 30 million. Our cricket infrastructure would improve, which would help our development, and visitor arrivals would boost our economy. Jamaica is the largest English-speaking Caribbean cricketing country, so we have a duty of care to make sure we protect West Indies’ and Jamaica’s cricket legacy.”

The Sunday Gleaner understands that Jamaica was offered two deadline extensions to submit a bid. However, none of these were met.

It is understood that all is still not lost, though, as Jamaica may very well still get an opportunity to bid for one of several packages that would include warm-up and group games.

It is being reported that New York was one of the cities bidding to host matches in the United States. However, its bid seems to be in limbo because of a lack of support from the government.

This scenario could open a door for Jamaica and, if that is the case, Hinds is hoping that the Government will grab the opportunity with both hands.

“If there is a last window to make it happen, I hope the Jamaica Government seizes the opportunity, so that the public can benefit from seeing world-class cricket back again in Jamaica.”