Latest Cricket News From the West Indies and T&T.

West Indies legends say rally around ‘Warriors’

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer.
30-Jan-2005 - Past West Indies cricket greats Sir Vivian Richards, Curtly Ambrose and Richie Richardson will be backing the Trinidad and Tobago football team all the way to Germany 2006 and has made a call for the entire Caribbean region to rally around the “Soca Warriors” as they get set to contest the final round of the qualifying campaign.
This was the message coming from the greats as they met up with skipper Angus Eve and his teammates during the training camp in Antigua earlier this month.
“Of course we are all Caribbean people and I am hoping that Trinidad can go all the way this time. I remember back in 1990 we came so close and fell to the US and now we have a chance to make up for that,” Ambrose told TTFF Media after he and Richardson witnessed a training session conducted by Bertille St Clair and Graham Taylor at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Also present was Mervyn Richards, brother of the Sir Viv and also president of the Antiguan FA.
“They have to make the Caribbean proud. We have talked about integration over the years and in this case with Trinidad still in the running, it’s like representing the West Indies and qualifying for a World Cup can in a way bring more unity in this region.”
“I think it’s like the West Indies cricket team where when they win, we all win and when they lose, all of us lose. It’s the same now with the Trinidad and Tobago footballers.”
And commenting on his whereabouts these days, the giant figure added “I’m still around and still trying to become a musician,” he said with a laugh. “I’m with a group called the Dred and the Baldhead and I’ve done quite well with cricket in Trinidad so hopefully I can come down and do the same with my music.” And he will return to the Queen’s Park Oval, this time to see the ‘Warriors” take on the United States on Ash Wednesday. “I’ll be in Trinidad for the Carnival, so definitely I will be in the stands for the match.”
Richardson, a former West Indies captain, was just as confident of T&T’s chances.
“I believe these guys have the potential to go all the way. No doubt that they have the support in Antigua and even though they lost the friendly, that was just a form of hospitality because you could see the guys were holding back a bit on the field,” Richardson said. “I always remember flying down to Trinidad on the morning of the last match against the US in 1989 and the place was all red. We were all disappointed back then but I have a feeling that this time things will be different. I will obviously try to be at some of the games, said Richardson who still plays with Lashings Cricket club which is based in England and includes several international stars including Ambrose, Richards, jimmy Adams, Chris Cairds and Brian Lara. He is also attached to an Antiguan Masters team which is preparing for a tournament in Argentina in March. Richardson has also been recently hired to work with the Antiguan Sports Tourism Commission.
Richards couldn’t make it to the session but kept his promise to meet the team, turning up at the Airport on the morning of the team’s departure.
“I think it was great to have the guys over here for the training camp and I know for sure that getting to the World Cup will be a great achievement not only for Trinidad but for the whole of the West Indies. It is important that we realize just how significant something like this will be. We must all rally around them on their way to Germany,” Richards said.
Skipper Eve welcomed such words from the icons. “To hear men of their caliber voicing their support for us is remarkable. It means a lot to what were are trying to achieve as a team and a nation and we know that the hopes of the Caribbean are resting on us. There have been some concerns expressed by persons about whether the team can cope with the pressure but we would be foolish to lose our focus and engage in anything that would hamper our chances,” Eve said on Sunday.

Million-dollar budget for eight cricket clubs.

By: Vinode Mamchan.
11-Jan-2005 - National cricket is a costly thing for the eight clubs in the Carib National League Division One. At an average of $175,000 per club, it costs the eight clubs $1,400,000 to play 33 days in the three competitions, spread over three months.
The Carib competition is the richest in the Caribbean, with rivals Barbados coming up much.
Players only recently began getting financial rewards for playing in the Barbadian domestic league.
In T&T, players have been receiving monetary compensation for quite a while, with the only club not doing so being Queen’s Park.
The ‘Parkites’ has maintained the position of paying only a coach who,in most cases,also plays for the club.
Domestic cricket in T&T has become semi-professional in recent years. Some players are paid around $20,000, plus incentives.The lowest paid local player pockets around $5,000.
A close look at the finances of the clubs would show that out of the $175,000 needed to run the organisation, about $95,000 goes towards the salaries of players and officials.
There are also substantial costs involved in providing meals and transportation to grounds around the country.
Added to this is equipment and ground maintenance costs, which runs into thousands of dollars.
Some clubs spend even more than the average $175,000. Tile It Central Sports will be spending around $200,000 this season, while PowerGen plans to put aside around $160,000 for the proper functioning of the club.
In division II, clubs are also joining their division I counterparts and opening their cheque books.
Recently FIFA vice-president and president of Concacaf, Jack ‘Austin’ Warner, made the announcement that he would be spending $750,000 over a three-year period with Joe Public Munroe Road Cricket Club.
Vice-chairman of the club, Manohar Ramsaran, announced a payment structure that showed a player getting $800 per national league match, which would give him a total of $5,600 for the seven matches.
In addition to this, the player will get $200 per game for the Carib Sunday League, which will net him a minimum of $1,400. The amount increases if the team makes to the knockout stage.
In the mid-week limited overs tournament, a Joe Public player will also get $200 per game — $1,200 for six games.
At the conclusion of the season a Joe Public Munroe Road player will get around $8,200.
However, the club has built into this arrangement a performance incentive and if the team loses a match outright they would lose 50 percent of their match fee, while a loss on first innings will mean a fine of 25 percent. 

ANALYSIS OF NCL CLUBS YEARLY SPENDING (average) 

Players Salaries: $95,000 

Refreshment: $26,000 

Ground upkeep: $12,000 

Equipment: $17,000 

Travelling: $11,000 

Miscellaneous: $8,000 

TOTAL: $169,000

Look out for Joe Public Munroe Road cricketers in 2005.

Issued By: Shaun Fuentes.
30-Dec-2004 - Jack Warner will be soon supporting his own cricket club after announcing that he will be financing the running of the Munroe Road Cricket club to the tune of $175,000 per year for three years in the first instance.
Warner made the revelation at a Christmas gathering hosted by former Minister of Sport Manohar Ramsaran at his residence in Munroe Road, Chaguanas on Wednesday night.
For the 2005 local cricket season, the club, of which Ramsaran is a founding member and chairman up to last season, will be known as the Joe Public Munroe Road Cricket Club. Warner is currently owner of the Joe Public Football club – the 2004 National Super League Champions.
Warner’s announcement was met with lusty applause from the gatherers of family members and friends which included UNC Senator Wade Mark, UNC Party CEO Tim Goopeesingh and Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta.
Warner reflected on his dealings with Ramsaran while he served as Minister of Sport, commending him for his excellent service to sport, particularly football.
As such when Ramsaran approached him on the matter of assisting the club, he responded accordingly.
“I said to him that the least I can do to show my thanks is to support the Munroe Road Cricket club. Let me hasten to add that I also decided to help the club because I honestly feel that no club, no player and in fact no citizen of this country should be discriminated against because of where they were born or because of where you live or your political affiliation,” Warner said. “And I know how difficult it is in this country where in politics the winners takes all. I understand how difficult it can be for you (Ramsaran) to get assistance at this point in time.”
The FIFA Vice President is no stranger to helping those in need, particularly in the football circles, but he has not been left blind to other areas of need.
“You know that football is my forte but then I realize that the two major sports in this country are football and cricket. Two sports that in compass it remains with the two major races in the country and I said to myself that if I can be in football and cricket at the same time, I shall be the embodiment of what Mr Panday and Mr Ramsaran have struggled for…. national unity”
He added that the cricket club will have the same benefits as the Joe Public men and women’s football club. The chairman of the club will be Warner with two deputies being Ramsaran, in charge of operations, and Daryll Warner for administration. Along with an impressive sponsorship package, Warner is also promising the club a one-week tour to Guyana if it ends up with any titles in the 2005 season. “If anybody in Trinidad can match that… then match it including Wanderers,” Warner said.
The club also boasts of the first woman secretary among local clubs, Rebecca Gokool and Warner mentioned that the club will also aim to have women cricketers involved,engage in coaching clinics for youngsters and work with schools in the area as well as get involved in charitable matches.
“This thrust must lead as a catalyst for change in the cricket world because there is no need for cricket to become so dormant and if the club can help in this change, then the monies would have been well invested,” he exclaimed.
He also mentioned that he is in the process of trying to set up a regional professional cricket league and has invited top cricketing officials and personalities including Sir Gary Sobers, to discuss plans that at a two-day seminar at Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence at the end of January. Warner also revealed that he has retained a company called Heritage, owned by Hans Hanoomansingh and he has already paid him an amount in the sum of six figures to do a documentary of the life of former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday.
Ramsaran, a former player at club level, was later grateful to Warner for his decision to team up with the club.
“I feel very excited about this new development and I am hoping too that players out there who wants to play for a club that is on the move up can see Joe Public Munroe Road club as the one in this regard. This is not a matter of winning or losing a game but more a way of providing better conditions for the cricketers in our country and by extent the region,” Ramsaran said. Sponsorship details for 2005 season.

A Team participating in Carib League for Seven games:

Trainer - $200 per game.

Manager - $200 per game.

Players - $800 per player per game.

Total - $72,000.

B Team for Seven games:

Manager - $100 per game.

Coach - $150 per game.

Players - $100 per player per game.

Total - $10,150.

Carib Sunday League for Seven games:

Manager - $100 per game.

Coach - $100 per game.

Trainer - $100 per game.

Players - $200 per player per game.

Total - $18,900.

Carib Cup for Six games:

Manager - $100 per game.

Coach - $100 per game.

Trainer - $100 per game.

Players - $200 per player per game.

Total - $16,200.

Total Competition participation sponsorship - $117, 350.

Other Sponsorship:

Travelling allowance - $5,000.

Equipment - $7,500.

Up-keep of Ground - $6,000.

Refreshment (Lunch and Tea) - $18,000.

Proposed overseas professionals - $20,000.

Miscellaneous -$1,150.

Total - $56,500.

Pro-League cricket idea goes to players.

By Zaid Mohammed, Newsday Sports Editor.
14-Dec-2004 - It will cost at least $1.5 million United States dollars ($9M TT) to get the proposed West Indies Professional Cricket League underway. But it is likely to incur much more according to the provisional budget which has been drafted by Dr Trevor Alleyne, the driving force behind the project to establish the league next year. Yesterday, the lecturer in Bio-Chemistry at the University of the West Indies was in serious discussions with Dinanath Ramnarine, Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA). After failing to convince the Caricom Secretariat and the respective governments of the region to actively support the plan, Dr Alleyne, a Barbadian, is now taking the idea to the West Indies players. He has also enlisted the support of football administrator Jack Warner who has consented to host a symposium next month which is expected to attract the major players in the project where Dr Alleyne’s document on the proposed league will be discussed in-depth.
“We really want to get the West Indies Professional Cricket League off the ground next year. However the logistics of the plan are yet to be worked out but will be done soon,” he said yesterday in a telephone interview. Dr Alleyne said he envisages the first round of the competition, involving six teams, getting underway next November/ December in one country with a break for the Christmas holidays. The Professional League will resume after the year-end holidays with the second round being contested in another territory. In all the competition will extend over four months and fit in with the existing Carib Beer Series regional tournament and any international matches hosted in the Caribbean. He said matches initially will be over a three-day period and the localising of the teams in one country is expected to significantly cut the air travel expenses.
Also yesterday Alloy Lequay, Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board said the idea of the Professional Cricket League in the Caribbean is hardly new since it was during the Pat Rousseau presidency of the West indies Cricket Board that the idea was first embraced. “They had agreed to contract the players who no longer were able to play in England with an input from the governments of the Caribbean,” Lequay said. “A formula was worked out whereby the governments would contribute a sum of money and the West Indies Cricket Board would put in the rest to initiate the league,” he said. “However, the governments agreed in principle but failed to honour the agreement and the plan never got off the ground,” said Lequay. He credited Dr Alleyne for persisting with the plan despite the fact that he has not received any favourable responses to letters written to the Caricom Secretariat, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, head of the Caricom Sub-Committee on Cricket and the respective Caribbean governments.
Lequay said the launch of the Professional Cricket League will be extremely beneficial to the cricketers and the game in the region but pointed out that much will depend on the level of sponsorship which can be raised throught the efforts of Warner who has expressed a keen interest in the idea. Dr Alleyne attended the same school as former West Indies cricket captain Sir Frank Worrell and West Hall, a Test fast bowler and former president of the WI Cricket Board. He has been credited with improving the fortunes of the UWI cricket team at the St Augustine Campus as assistant coach and coach, winning the inter-campus championship among other titles. In the 1990s he was the force behind the effort to stage the World Cup in the Caribbean undertaking several studies and producing numerous reports which later formed the basis of the successful bid for the 2007 championship.

Tobago get Carib Beer Series match.

By: Brij Parasnath.
03-Dec-2004 - Tobagonians will get the opportunity of seeing the Trinidad and Tobago cricketers in action during the West Indies Cricket Board 2005 Carib Beer Series competition. Carib Brewery events and sponsorship manager Colin Murray confirmed yesterday, that Trinidad and Tobago will take on Leeward Islands in their eighth round match at Shaw Park, Tobago, from March 4 to 7. The Tobago venue was preferred to the Wilson Road Recreation ground because of the clamour by Tobagonians for at least one regional First Class match per year.
And with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board hosting five home matches in the new season, Murray said, “it was only fair that Tobagonians get an opportunity to see the national team in action. “For the past three years, Tobago hosted a regional First Class match and they will welcome the chance to see and support the national team.” In 2002, Trinidad and Tobago played against the West Indies “B” at the Roxborough Sports Complex and then took on visiting Bangladesh at Shaw Park, last year. This year Kenya played against the locals at Shaw Park, which has been upgraded by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) over the last two years. TT will open the First Class season against Guyana at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva, from January 7 to 10.The Trinidadians will have home advantage for four matches in the first five rounds.
Our cricketers will take on defending champion Barbados at the Queen’s Park Oval in the second round from January 14 to 17, and meet Windward Islands at the same venue in the fourth round from January 28 to 31. Fans will next see the national cricketers in action at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, in the fifth round against Jamaica from February 4 to 7. West Indies players will miss the first three rounds of the series since they will be away in Australia, playing in the VB Triangular Series. Pakistan is the other team in this tournament. TT’s first away match will be against Leeward Islands during the third round from January 21 to 24.
And they will also play against Guyana from February 18 to 21, in Guyana; in the seventh round from February 25 to 28 against Barbados; in the ninth round against Windward Islands from March 11 to 14 and Jamaica in their 10th round match from March 18 to 21). Two years ago, following a game against India A, national coach Phillip Simmons condemned Wilson Road Recreation ground, deeming it unsuitable, and the venue has been bypassed since. The Penal-Debe Regional Corporation plans to upgrade the facility and bring it up to the required standard.

Jan, Kelly take TT to victory.

01-Nov-2004 - Bridgetown: Trinidad and Tobago won the West Indies limited overs regional cricket tournament yesterday, beating Guyana by four wickets with an unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 78 between Imran Jan and Richard Kelly. Jan hit a 54 not out and Kelly smacked an undefeated 42 to steer the Trinidadians to their target of 161 for six wickets with 34 balls remaining at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The pair came together with Trinidad faltering at 83 for six chasing Guyana’s all out 160 off 43.4 of their allocated 45 overs. Overnight and morning rain had delayed the start of match by an hour, reducing the match from 50 overs a team to 45.
It was Trinidad’s first regional limited overs title since 1996 when they also beat Guyana. Fast bowlers Reon King (three for 27) and Esuan Crandon (three for 28) had lifted the spirits of a majority Guyanese crowd of 3,000 with early strikes. King removed Shazan Babwah and Trinidad captain Daren Ganga in his first two overs. Babwah fended off the glove to wicketkeeper Derwin Christian while Ganga edged low to first slip. Sherwin Ganga compiled 19 before Crandon struck three quick blows of his own. Lefthander Ganga pulled to square leg and was soon followed in the pavilion by Gregory Mahabir, who carved to gully. Ricardo Powell nicked behind where Christian held an acrobatic catch to his right as Trinidad tottered at 49 for five. Jan and Denesh Ramdin rebuilt the innings with a stand of 34 for the sixth wicket. Ramdin stroked 24 before he perished as he chased a wide ball from King.
There was one scare when Kelly lofted a chance to mid-off where Crandon missed the opportunity off King at 87 for six. Jan then hit four fours off 100 balls while Kelly, the eventual “Man-of-the-Match,” lashed three sixes off 64 balls. Earlier, Guyana recovered from a faltering start but was restricted to a modest total of 160 after being sent in. Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, with 43, and Damodar Daesrath, 49, steadied the innings with a fifth wicket partnership of 89 after the first four wickets fell for 19 within the first six overs to fast bowlers Reyad Emrit and Kelly. Left-hander Chanderpaul, the experienced West Indies Test batsman, came in at 14 for three in the fifth over when Emrit took his third wicket and stayed to organise his team’s innings.
He was Emrit’s fourth victim in the 39th over, pulling a full toss to deep square-leg. He hit four fours off his 86 balls. Chanderpaul was outscored by the right-handed Daesrath, who hit three fours off 84 balls before he fell to Powell’s diving catch at backward point in off-spinner Sherwin Ganga’s last over. Neil McGarrell hit out in the closing overs, striking the only six of the innings in his 29. But he was one of two run outs effected by the sharp Trinidad fielders as Guyana tried to steal quick runs. Emrit was Trinidad’s most successful bowler with four wickets for 27 off his nine overs. Kelly took two for 26 off seven overs.

T&T v Guyana 

Guyana (maximum 45 overs) 

K. Arjune c wkpr Ramdin b Emrit 4 

+D. Christian b Kelly 2 

N. Deonarine c wkpr Ramdin b Emrit 2 

L. Cush b Emrit 0 

S. Chanderpaul c Sooklal b Emrit 43 

D. Daesrath c Powell b S. Ganga 49 

N. McGarrell run out 29 

M. Nagamootoo c wkpr Ramdin b Kelly 8 

E. Crandon run out 0 

R. Griffith not out 4 

R. King c D. Ganga b Badree 0 

Extras (b3, lb3, w12) 18 

TOTAL (all out – 43.4 overs) 160 

Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-12, 3-14, 4-19, 5-107, 6-136, 7-152, 8-152, 9-158. 

Bowling: Emrit 9-2-27-4 (w4); Kelly 7-0-26-2 (w8); Sooklal 9-3-25-0; S. Ganga 9-2-32-1; Jan 4-0-22-0; 

Badree 5.4-0-22-1. 

T&T (target: 161 from 45 overs) 

S. Ganga c Nagamootoo b Crandon 19 

S. Babwah c wkpr Christian b King 0 

D. Ganga c (sub) Dowlin b King 0 

I. Jan not out 54 

G. Mahabir c Nagamootoo b Crandon 2 

R. Powell c wkpr Christian b Crandon 0 

+D. Ramdin c wkpr Christian b King 24 

R. Kelly not out 42 

Extras (b3, lb11, w6) 20 

TOTAL (6 wkts – 39.2 overs) 161 

S. Badree, R. Emrit, R. Sooklal did not bat. 

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-12, 3-36, 4-49, 5-49, 6-83. 

Bowling: King 9-1-27-3 (w2); Griffith 4-0-19-0 (w1); Crandon 7.2-0-28-3 (w1); Cush 7-1-30-0 (w1); 

Nagamootoo 6-0-27-0; McGarrell 6-1-16-0. 

Result: T&T won by four wickets. 

Series: T&T won the President’s Trophy. 

Toss: T&T. 

Umpires: B. Doctrove, N. Malcolm, TV Replays: V. Bullen, Reserve: P. Grazette. 

Match Referee: C. Carter. 

Man-of-the-Match: Richard Kelly (T&T).

No tour matches for Grenada.

South Africa, Pakistan visit to Caribbean 2005.
04-Oct-2004 - St John’'s: West Indies, still basking in the glory of their ICC Champions Trophy victory, will be hosts to South Africa and Pakistan in a home series which starts next March. They will play four Tests and five one-day internationals against the Proteas and two Tests and three one-dayers against the Pakistanis. But Grenada, ravaged by Hurricane Ivan last month which caused the total destruction of their stadium at Queen’s Park, have been left out from the fixtures.
The International season begins with the arrival of South Africa on March 25 for a nearly two-month long tour, which ends on May 16. Pakistan arrive on May 8 and depart the Caribbean on June 8. The South Africans will begin their tour in Guyana where they will play the first Test six days after their arrival at Bourda Oval. They will play their second Test against the West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, starting April 8, before taking on a UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI in a two-day game also in Trinidad on April 16-17. Third Test in the series will be at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados starting April 21.
Then the Test scene shifts to the Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua, for the fouth and final Test starting April 29. First two matches in the one-day series will be played in Jamaica on May 7 and May 8, then it’s back to Barbados for the third game on May 11. Trinidad will host the other two one-dayers on May 14 and May 15. The Pakistan leg of the tour begins in Antigua with a two-day match against a Carib Beer Series XI on May 11-14. The Pakistanis will open with the three-match one-day series with the first game on May 18 in St Vincent, followed by two in St Lucia on May 21 and 22. And they take the field against West Indies in the first of two Tests in Barbados beginning on May 26. The second Test is scheduled for Jamaica starting on June 3. 

Full itinerary: 
South Africa to the West Indies March 25-May 16.
March 25 - South Africa arrives in Guyana
First Test - March 31 to April 4 in Guyana.
Second Test - April 8 to 12 -in Trinidad
Tour match vs UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI - April 16-17 in Trinidad.
Third Test - April 21-25 in Barbados.
Fourth Test - April 29 to May 3 in Antigua.
Practice 1-day - May 5 in Jamaica.
First ODI - May 7 in Jamaica.
Second ODI - May 8 in Jamaica.
Third ODI - May 11 in Barbados.
Fourth ODI - May 14 in Trinidad.
Fifth ODI - May 15 in Trinidad.
South Africa depart - May 16 in Trinidad.
Pakistan to the West Indies May 8 to June 8.
Pakistan arrive - May 8 in Antigua.
vs Carib Beer Series X1 - May 11 - 13 in Antigua.
Practice 1-day - May 15 in Antigua.
First ODI - May 18 in St Vincent.
Second ODI - May 21 in St Lucia.
Third ODI - May 22 in St Lucia.
First Test - May 26 to 30 in Barbados.
Second Test - June 3 to 7 in Jamaica.
Pakistan depart - June 8 from Jamaica.

Players to collect US$45,000 each.

By: Naz Yacoob, Guardian Sports Editor.
30-Sept-2004 - Members of the West Indies cricket team, still basking in the glory of their thrilling two-wicket win against England in the ICC Champions Trophy final, are now expected to cash in on a US$630,000 (approximately TT$4 million) bonus.
Each player could pocket up US$45,000 ($283,000) in bonus money courtesy the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the current sponsors, LNM Group.
This was revealed by a source close to the WICB yesterday. The bonus money does not represent the players’ individual contractual agreement money with the WICB.
The 14 players will share the jackpot, which was promised to them if they brought the coveted ICC Cup to the Caribbean for the first time in the tournament’s six-year history.
The managing staff, which is made up of Tony Howard (manager) and Gus Logie (coach), together with Ronald Rogers (physio), and Andrew Simpson (trainer), were not guaranteed a bonus. The regional cricketers also pocketed a cool US$525,000 ($3.3 million) after the victory against England on Saturday.
The ICC had offered US$50,000 ($314,000) for each victory in a group match. The regional team collected US$100,000 ($629,000) after they defeated Bangladesh and South Africa in the group qualifiers.
They then picked up a further US$125,000 ($78,625) for their semi-final victory against Pakistan at the Rose Bowl, and another US$300,000 ($1.9 million) for winning the final. All of the winnings are thrown into a pot and divided among the players.
When Windies skipper Brian Lara lifted the 18-inch prize—a sterling silver trophy made of a silver gilt cricket ball engraved with a world map—the team was already guaranteed the automatic ICC prize money.
However, the LNM Group had committed to giving the team “an incentive bonus linked to the actual winning performance of the team progressively through the competition” before they headed out to England.
This was not quantified by WICB president Teddy Griffith at the time of the announcement of the sponsorship, but he said the bonus was one of three streams of earnings available to the players during the ICC series.
The India-based LNM Group is the second largest steel producer in the world and has operations in Trinidad and 14 other countries.
Griffith said at the signing of the sponsorship deal last month that the WICB was satisfied the team had been afforded every financial incentive to perform at the top of its capability during the ICC Champions Trophy.
Apart from Lara, the other members of the squad included Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, Ricardo Powell, Courtney Browne, Ian Bradshaw, Corey Collymore, Ryan Hinds, Mervyn Dillon Sylvester Joseph and Darren Sammy.

Windies stars in TT line-up.

By: Zaid Mohammed, Newday Sports Editor.
30-Sept-2004 - The return of four star players to the national line-up will greatly improve Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of winning this year’s regional one-day cricket championship starting next week in Guyana. Team manager Omar Khan said yesterday that the inclusion of West Indies captain Brian Lara, Mervyn Dillon, Dwayne Bravo and Ricardo Powell will have a significant effect on the performance of the team. And he is counting on the momentum of their recent participation in the Champions Trophy which the West Indies won on Saturday with a thrilling and dramatic victory against England at The Oval in London. The quartet returned home on Monday and are expected to make themselves available for national duty in Guyana for the preliminary round of the championship from October 16 to 24.
However Khan said yesterday that both Lara and Dillon are nursing minor injuries and will not be involved in practice matches at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva this weekend. However Bravo, regarded as one of the world’s brightest young prospects and Powell, a hard-hitting batsman who is among the best fieldsmen in international cricket are likely to turn up for the tune-ups. Khan said 13 players have been engaged in intensive sessions at Balmain three days a week under coach David Williams, a former national wicketkeeper and trainer Gerard Garcia. Khan said that he is impressed with the progress the players have been making. “I am satisfied with them so far. I have noted a difference in their approach as they are showing a commitment at all levels of the game.
They are trying hard to attain very high standards of fitness we have set,” said Khan yesterday. He said strong emphasis is being placed on the mental aspect of their game as he believes that the tournament would be won or lost on that level. “We are a better team at the shortened version of the game and we have been stressing the need for the players to stay focussed on the 100 overs of play — 50 overs batting and 50 overs fielding,” said Khan yesterday. “On paper they are a top quality line-up and we expect a high intensity performance on the field which will enable them to come out on top doing what is required of them,” said Khan. He said apart from the international quartet, the nation’s hopes will be resting heavily on young Denesh Ramdhin, former West Indies youth captain and wicketkeeper; mercurial batsman Lendl Simmons; fast bowler Imran Jan and Shazam Babwah, a solid middle-order batsman.
“We also have Reyad Emrit who is coming off an impressive season playing club cricket in England. It’s a good team,” said Khan. He said there is also the possibility that Trinidad and Tobago will come up against the Windward Islands in a couple matches before leaving for The Mudland on October 14. Because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan earlier this month, the Windwards have indicated they wished to come over to Trinidad to prepare for the tournament and the request has been favourably received by the TT Cricket Board. “We welcome the opportunity to play some highly competitive matches against the Windwards. It would help us immensely,” said Khan yesterday

Windies hits ICC jackpot US$.5m.

By: Naz Yacoob - T&T Guardian Newspapers.
26-Sept-2004 - The West Indies cricketers pocketed a cool US$525,000 following their hard-fought two-wicket victory against England in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Oval in London yesterday.
The ICC had offered US$50,000 for each victory in a group match. The regional team collected $100,000 after they defeated Bangladesh and South Africa in their group encounters.
The West Indies team picked up a further US $125,000 for their semifinal victory against Pakistan at the Rose Bowl, and added another big jackpot of US$300,000 for winning the ICC Champions Trophy against England.
The Windies took care of the host team yesterday , and captain Brian Lara lifted the 18-inch prize—a sterling silver trophy that is made of a silver gilt cricket ball engraved with a world map.
However their sponsors, LNM Group, committed to giving the team “an incentive bonus linked to the actual winning performance of the team progressively through the competition.This was not quantified by president of the West Indies Cricket Board, Teddy Griffith, at the time of the announcement of the sponsorship, but he said the bonus was one of three streams of earnings available to the players during the ICC series.
The India-based LNM Group is the second largest steel producer in the world with operations in Trinidad and 14 other countries.
Griffith said at the signing of the sponsorship last month at the Hilton Trinidad, that the WICB is satisfied that the team has been afforded every financial incentive to perform at the top of its obvious capability during the ICC Champions Trophy competition, as it plans for the nucleus of the team for the One-Day International commitments in Australia in January 2005 and the World Cup in 2007.
Meanwhile, Gus Logie has formally confirmed his exit from the head coach position of the West Indies team. “Well, this basically is my last tournament in charge. This was decided almost three-four months back. It is no secret that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is looking for a foreign coach and they have already spoken to a lot of people. “Whoever comes in, I hope he gets a lot of support; certainly a lot more than what I was getting,” Logie told Indian website Rediff.com. “I had a two-year contract and that contract ends in June next year. I don’t think we had the patience to wait for the results in the West Indies. We wanted instant results and if you don’t get that then the knives are always going to be out for you,” Logie added. Logie said he was leaving the post with a bitter taste in his mouth.
“I don’t like the fact that somebody tells me that I will not be able to have the opportunity to contribute to this team anymore. I do not like the fact that the new coach will have the opportunity with more authority than I ever had. But Windies cricket is greater than all of us and I was willing to step aside.” Since taking over from Roger Harper in 2003, Logie’s win-loss record in Tests stands at 4-13, with two of those wins coming against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. He did enjoy a record-breaking Test  match win against Australia to avoid a series whitewash and followed up with a 1-0 home series win victory against Sri Lanka. And, of course, he gets to walk away after Saturday’s miraculous ICC Trophy triumph, the first major one-day triumph in 25 years.
The WICB plans to install a new management structure that calls for distinct and discreet roles for the manager, coach, captain and selectors and provides for clear reporting lines and accountability. The Head Coach would be on contract and his primary role would be to prepare the West Indies team for international competitions. He would also be a member of the selection panel with the casting vote and the principal authority on the selection of the final XI. The WICB had long ago decided that Logie’s passive personality — he had begged off team selection duties and was loathe to verbal sparring — was not a good fit for the new structure and instructed CEO Roger Brathwaite to search for a replacement. Bennett King, the Aussie coach who embarrassed the WICB by turning down an offer to replace Roger Harper last year, is again considered a front-runner for the job. The names of another pair of Australians — Greg Chappell and Rodney Marsh — are being whispered as possibilities for the job.

TT get disappointing package.

By George Baptiste.
14-Jul-2004 - Trinidad and Tobago have been handed a disappointing package of six first round matches in the Cricket World Cup 2007. The announcement was made from the St Andrew Room, Ritz Carlton, Montego Bay in a radio-television hook-up last night. Trinidad and Tobago were handed the “Brown Package” which will feature four teams including World Cup runners-up India and three yet to be named qualifiers.
At the hotel to receive the package last night were Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Roger Boynes, his Permanent Secretary Errol Nesbitt and Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president Ellis Lewis. Officials in TT were expecting to host the opening ceremony, first round group matches and a semi-final but were let down by the announcement last night. At the ceremony last night were Ehsan Mani, president of the International Cricket Council; Malcolm Speed, chief executive officer of the ICC; Teddy Griffith, president of the West Indies Cricket Board; Rawle Branker, chairman of the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Incorporated; and Chris Dehring, managing-director and CEO of ICC CWC WI Inc. Barbados were handed the plum “Black Package”, meaning that the final of World Cup 2007 will be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
And Jamaican World Cup 2007 managing-director chief executive officer Chris Dehring announced the “Yellow Package” containing the opening ceremony, one semi-final and eight matches all told, in which the West Indies team will feature, will be hosted at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. Other venues selected for World Cup 2007 matches include St Kitts, who will have the “Orange Package” announced by ex-West Indies Cricket Board president Rev Wes Hall. This package will feature a series of first round fixtures in which defending champions Australia will feature. Grenada were chosen for six Super Eight matches in the “Green Package”, which will be played at Queen’s Park Stadium. The second “Green Package” which will see eight teams competing in six matches went to Guyana, and was announced by Clive Lloyd, who led West Indies to the first-ever World Cup title in 1974 and repeated in 1978.
St Lucia were granted one semi-final in the “Blue Package” along with four first round matches, and will have England based there, when matches are played at the Beausejour Stadium. The “Red Package” for which many countries placed bids, went to Antigua, where three second round Super Eight matches will be played at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

The World Cup 2007 venue allocations:

Preliminary Round —
VENUE 1 (hosts West Indies’ matches, plus Opening Ceremony and Opening Match): Jamaica.

VENUE 2 (hosts England’s matches): St Lucia.

VENUE 3 (hosts India’s matches): Trinidad and Tobago.

VENUE 4 (hosts Australia’s matches): St. Kitts & Nevis
Quarter-finals: VENUE 5 (hosts three of the biggest Super Eight matches): Antigua and Barbuda.

VENUE 6: Grenada; 

VENUE 7: Guyana; 

VENUE 8 (host three of the biggest Super Eight matches): Barbados.

Semi-finals: Same as VENUE 1: Jamaica; Same as VENUE 2: St. Lucia.

Final: Same as VENUE 8: Barbados.

$100M for World Cup Cricket.

By Ria Taitt.
9-Jul-2004 - Government is planning to spend some $100 million to prepare the country for World Cup Cricket 2007, Sports Minister Roger Boynes said yesterday. This money will be spent over the next three years. He also announced that approximately $22 million would be spent to upgrade the Queen’s Park Oval, which will stage some of the matches. Although it is privately owned, Government will pump $8 million while the Queen’s Park Cricket Club will contribute $14 million into the upgrade. Saying that it was debated in Cabinet whether Government should be helping a private institution, Boynes said Queen’s Park Cricket Club was giving the venue “free of charge” to Trinidad and Tobago during the World Cup. He said therefore Government agreed that the $8 million (in financial support) could be justified. He was speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall.
Boynes said all participating countries would be benefitting from the gate receipts up to the tune of US$40 million. Such revenues collected would therefore offset some of the cost involved in preparation for the games, he noted. Trinidad and Tobago has been selected as one of the eight finalists to host events for the Cricket World Cup. The event is expected to take place at eight different venues. The country will know on Tuesday what package it will get. Among the major packages are the opening ceremony and the finals. Saying that Government was preparing Trinidad and Tobago to accept any package that it is given, Boynes noted that Cabinet had selected four persons to attend next Tuesday’s ceremony in Jamaica.
They are the Minister of Sports, his Permanent Secretary, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control and the Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Jamaica. He said Government had also agreed to establish a Local Organising Committee (LOC) which will look after the planning and managing of all events assigned to this country as well as the security, hospitality and entertainment for all teams, international media and visitors. He said Government would be owning 100 percent shares in the LOC.

West Indies dump England out.

7-Jul-2004 - LONDON: England were dumped out the NatWest Series by the West Indies yesterday as Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan overcame centuries from Andrew Flintoff and Andrew Strauss to lead their cricket team to an exciting, seven-wicket win at Lord’s. The West Indies’ triumph earned them a place in Saturday’s final alongside New Zealand at the expense of the hosts. Opener Gayle’s magnificent unbeaten 132 off 165 balls anchored the run chase as the West Indies reached their formidable victory target at 286 for three with five balls to spare. Sarwan scorched 89 off 78 deliveries to rev up the chase in a run-a-ball stand of 187 with “Man-of-the-Match Gayle.”
Earlier, Flintoff’s bruising 123 off 104 balls and Strauss’ even 100 thrilled a capacity crowd of 25,000. The pair rebuilt the England innings from the peril of 54 for three in the 19th over to lead them to 285 for seven off 50 overs. The hosts reduced the West Indies to 15 for one in the seventh over to further lift home hopes. Darren Gough made the breakthrough as Devon Smith edged to wicket-keeper Geraint Jones. But 24-year-old Gayle and Sarwan utilised a true batting pitch and a lightning-fast outfield with some sparkling strokes. England were guilty of letting off both batsmen early in their innings but the chances were difficult ones. Gayle was on 19 when Strauss missed a diving left-handed chance at extra cover off Gough. Sarwan was on 16 when his firm drive was missed in the follow through by fast bowler James Anderson. After that, there were a half dozen scares for the pair through missed run out chances as they tried to accelerate the innings.
Sarwan eventually fell at 202 for two in the 38th over when in sight of a century. The 24-year-old right-hander nicked an Anderson slower ball to the wicket-keeper after lashing nine boundaries. When Anderson accounted for the key scalp of captain Brian Lara two overs later, England sensed a way back. Lara, too, edged a drive to gloveman Jones after scoring 10 off 12 balls. But Ricardo Powell (33 not out) provided Gayle with enterprising support and added an unbroken 68 off just 48 balls to see the Caribbean men home. Gayle’s ninth one-day century, in his 100th match, was spiced with 12 fours and a six. Earlier, Flintoff and Strauss shared a frantic, record-breaking partnership to lift England from early trouble. It was Flintoff’s second century in three days following his 106 in another losing cause against New Zealand at Bristol on Tuesday. Strauss hit eight fours and two sixes on his way to his maiden one-day century. The stand of 226 for the fourth wicket between the pair was the highest ever partnership for England in One-Day Internationals. They bettered the 213 between Graeme Hick and Neil Fairbrother against the same opponents at the same venue in 1991.
The hosts stuttered early on as pacer Tino Best removed both openers cheaply. Marcus Trescothick (11) was bowled in the fourth over as he missed a leaden-footed drive. Captain Michael Vaughan continued his struggle for form when he edged a drive at a wide ball from Best as England dipped to 27 for two. Robert Key and Strauss added 27 for the third wicket. Key eventually fell after an unconvincing 19 off 51 deliveries, bowled through the gate by an inswinger from medium pacer Dwayne Smith. That brought together Strauss and Flintoff, who mounted a rearguard just as they had done on Sunday. England’s supremacy was underlined as 208 runs were plundered from the last 25 overs, including 121 from the last 10.The 45th over realised 21 runs as Dwayne Bravo finished with the expensive analysis of 80 runs off 10 wicketless overs. Smith was then carted for 27 off the next over to dent his figures at 10-0-71-1. Gayle removed both Flintoff and Strauss as three wickets fell in the final over but it was his batting later that would prove decisive. The West Indies face New Zealand the final preliminary match in Southampton tomorrow, a match which will be a preview to Saturday’s final at Lord’s.

WI signs multi-million deal with Digicel.

6-Jul-2004 - Digicel announced yesterday that it has secured sponsorship of the West Indies cricket team. The US multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), is for five years with an option to renew and will officially come into operation for the January - February 2005 tour to Australia.
Digicel will become the official sponsor of the West Indies Test and ODI (one day International) teams, Event Sponsors for the Home Test and ODI Series, and the official mobile and communications provider of the WICB.
“Digicel’s sponsorship of the West Indies Cricket Team not only demonstrates the success of Digicel across the Caribbean region but also represents a major five-year commitment to West Indies cricket,” Digicel announced in a release yesterday.
“With new programmes in place to improve the team’s current and future performance, Digicel’s long-term investment is designed to help return Caribbean cricket to its past glory,” the release said.
“It’s the first ever home and away sponsorship secured by the WICB and incorporates unprecedented incentives to raise players‚ performances and places an additional US$1 million into the game’s development through Digicel’s sponsorship of select junior teams.
“Digicel is also sponsoring the Under-15 and Under-17 teams as part of the largest deal ever done with the West Indies cricket board,” the release stated.
Speaking at the announcement in London, England yesterday, attended by members of the West Indies team, Teddy Griffith, President of the WICB, said: “Our partnership with Digicel represents a new era for the sponsorship of West Indies cricket.
“Digicel’s dynamic, innovative, forward-thinking attitude which has transformed in under three years the telecommunications market in the Caribbean will no doubt have the same impact on West Indies cricket. Change is inevitable and we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with Digicel,” Griffith said.
“Digicel takes enormous pride in becoming the official main sponsor of the West Indies Cricket team,” said Denis O‚Brien, Chairman of Digicel Group.
O‚Brien added: “We are delighted to make available this substantial sponsorship package to West Indies cricket. We will add new energy into West Indies Cricket through our incentives and youth programmes.
“This will encourage more great performances and foster future cricket legends. Digicel will also be looking at ways to make the game more interactive using their technology and an even more enjoyable experience for the millions of West Indies fans. We are excited about the future of cricket in the Caribbean,” O’Brien added.

TT host Cricket World Cup 2007.

5-Jul-2004 - LONDON: The International Cricket Council yesterday announced the eight venues chosen to host the ICC World Cup West Indies 2007. The host venues are Antigua/Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Bermuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States were the three unsuccessful host venues. ICC president Ehsan Mani and West Indies Cricket Board president Teddy Griffith shared the duties of announcing the eight successful venues through an audio-visual presentation in the Denis Compton Suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in St John’s Wood, adjacent to Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Next Tuesday, the details of the specific matches to be played at the eight venues, including the opening ceremony and match, semi-finals and final, will be announced in a ‘live’ radio and television broadcast from Jamaica, where the headquarters of ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc is located. The ceremony will take place at the Ritz Carlton in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The announcement of the host venues followed last weekend’s presentation of the host venue recommendations from the ICC CWC 2007 Inc. board of directors to the committee of CEOs of the ICC. Chris Dehring, managing director of ICC CWC 2007 Inc, presented the recommendations in London and ICC members were asked to give their final approval at their meeting over the weekend in Monaco.
The ICC CWC 2007 Board made their recommendations following presentation of reports by the Venue Assessment Team, who recently concluded a Verification Tour of the venues bidding to host matches. From May 24 to 29, the VAT visited St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Barbados. Then from June 7 to 13, the team ventured to the United States, Antigua/Barbuda, St Kitts/Nevis, Jamaica and concluded in Bermuda.

Irish to step in as WI ‘godfather’

T&T Newsday Reports.
27-Jun-2004 - West Indies cricket is set to be bankrolled by Irish-based telecoms provider Digicel. This report comes hot on the heels of the shock termination on Friday of the sponsorship of the home series of the regional team by Cable and Wireless. The severing of ties came after a record-breaking 20-year association between Cable and Wireless and the West Indies team, the longest in modern cricket. It is understood that because of the declining fortunes of the West Indies team in recent years, Cable and Wireless were forced to shift their investments into more “strategic” areas. 
A media release issued by Cable and Wireless’ Usman Sadaat, Vice-President, Marketing, for the Eastern Caribbean said the company wanted to explore other opportunities outside of sports. In future Cable and Wireless hope the new opportunities, outside of West Indies cricket will deliver tangible benefits to the communities they serve. “We are already in discussions with some other interested parties,” said Darren Millien, head of WICB marketing. Millien was unwilling to confirm rumours that telecommunications provider Digicel was close to signing on as sponsors of the home tours. Irish-owned Digicel have already pledged to sponsor regional football’s Caribbean Championship.
British telecommunications giant Cable and Wireless decided to end their 20-year stake in the national team’s home Test series following the end of a three-year, US$10 million contract. They announced on Friday that they would not renew their sponsorship. The West Indies Cricket Board are also looking for a new sponsor for the regional one-day tournament, the Red Stripe Bowl, after the Jamaican brewery declined to renew their contract. Cable and Wireless, who provide services for at least 15 Caribbean nations, have signed on to sponsor the 2007 World Cup and signed endorsement contracts with nine of the West Indies’ top players, including captain Brian Lara.

WI cricket looks for new sponsor.

By Vinode Mamchan.
26-Jun-2004 - Cable and Wireless, the major sponsor of West Indies cricket in the Caribbean for over 20 years, yesterday announced a parting of ways with the regional game. According to a media release, the decision “allows Cable and Wireless to explore other opportunities outside of sports that will deliver tangible benefits to the communities we serve.” Vice-president of marketing at Cable and Wireless, Usman Saadat stated in a press release yesterday that C&W will remain as a regional telecoms sponsor of the upcoming World Cup 2007 to be staged in the Caribbean. “The company will be leveraging its leading global and caribbean services and technologies to ensure that the World Cup 2007 is a showpiece for the people of the Caribbean,” the release stated yesterday. C&W also reiterated their commitment to long-term sponsorship agreements with West Indies captain Brian lara and other top regional test players.
Cable and Wireless has been associated with sponsorship of West Indies cricket for over 20 years and this was the longest running sponsorship of any cricket team in the world. Over the years they have invested millions of dollars in promoting and developing the game at the highest levels. This shock decision is reported to have been triggered by the regional team’s poor showing in recent years and forced by the lastest poor performance against England in the Caribbean. Since 1997 West Indian cricket fortunes have been slipping but the team continued to perform creditably at home. However within recent years the performances of the team at home has been well below par. In 2001, South Africa defeated the West Indies at home 2-1. The following year West Indies defeated India 2-1 after going down 1-0 early in the series. Last year Australia won 3-1 but the West Indies atoned with a 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka.
And this year England defeated the West Indies 3-0 the first time they have won the series in the Caribbean since 1976. West Indies then struggled to defeat lowly Bangladesh 1-0. Saadat said: “Cable and Wireless is proud to have been associated with cricket in the Caribbean over the last 20 years. Cable and Wireless remains totally committed to the ongoing development of the sport across the Caribbean and we have already signalled our intentions in the cricket arena for the next three years. “We wish to thank cricket fans, our staff and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the fun and exciting times that we have had for the sponsorship of the home series, which is the longest running cricket sponsorship in the world. Cable and Wireless is a leading company in many ways including its successful association with cricket — clearly the new sponsor will simply be following our lead and walking down a road which Cable and Wireless has paved with well executed plans that are world class.”

Windies players for US pro cricket league.

By Tony Cozier.
03-Jun-2004 - Eight West Indians, including current Test players, vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Jermaine Lawson, are among several internationals named yesterday in teams for the first professional cricket league in the United States, scheduled to run from June 18 to September 4.
The others are Franklyn Rose, Cameron Cuffy, Marlon Black, Reon King and Darren Powell, all of whom have played for the West Indies.
Organisers of what is the first privately-arranged international tournament since Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket (WSC) in Australia between 1977 and 1979 said individual contracts would be worth up to US$60,000 for those playing the entire season of a tournament of 20-overs-an-innings matches. Pay-per-view television coverage on a cable network is expected.
Also named in the teams are players from India, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya in their squads that are completed by those from the United States.
Among them is Salim Malik, the former Pakistan captain who has been banned from international cricket for life by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for match fixing.
Sarwan, Chanderpaul and Lawson would be restricted by their expected participation in the West Indies forthcoming tour of England June 17 to August 23.
The league features eight teams-New York Storm, New Jersey Fire, DC Forward (Washington), Florida Thunder, Chicago Tornadoes, Los Angeles Unity, San Francisco Freedom and Texas Arrowheads.
The format will follow that of the 20/20 tournament introduced into English county cricket last season with matches limited to 20 overs a innings matches. Each side can include up to five overseas players.
The teams are to be divided into two leagues, with the first match between New York Storm and Florida Thunder at the Homestead Stadium in New York June 18.
The top two teams in each league advance to the semi-finals with the final scheduled for the Commerce Bank Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey on September 4.
Interest and participation in the game in the US is confined almost exclusively to immigrants from Commonwealth countries. The US team that recently won a six-nation tournament in Sharjah to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy in England in September comprised players mainly from the West Indies, India and Pakistan.
But cricket's appeal has heightened after the International Cricket Council (ICC) identified North America as one of its prime areas for expansion.
The US is also bidding to stage matches in Broward County, Lauderhill, Florida, during the 2007 World Cup that has has been awarded to the West Indies.

Rampaul gets Windies Test call.

25-May-2004 - St John’s: (CMC) Young fast bowler Ravi Rampaul is the only uncapped player in a West Indies 13-man cricket squad named for the first Cable and Wireless Test match against Bangladesh starting on Friday in St Lucia. Rampaul’s Trinidad and Tobago teammate Dave Mohammed and pacer Jermaine Lawson are recalled for the series opener, and captain Brian Lara returns from injury to tackle the little-rated Bangladesh. Lara, resting a damaged little finger, missed the One-Day International (ODI) series between the two teams, and comes back to lead a side anxious to rebound from their recent 3-0 home series loss to England.
Rampaul, 19, has played in 14 ODIs but has yet to make his Test debut. Lawson, who wrecked the Bangladesh batting when the touring West Indies swept their two-match series in December 2002, is back after a year out of international cricket while undergoing remedial work on his bowling action. In Bangladesh 17 months ago, Lawson captured 11 wickets at 12.26 runs apiece and was named “Man of the Series”.
Pedro Collins and young speedsters Tino Best and Fidel Edwards complete the pace roster. Mohammed, a left-arm unorthodox spinner, gets a chance to add to his Test match log, having played only one match — against South Africa in Cape Town January. 

West Indies Squad: Brian Lara (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Smith, Ridley Jacobs, Ravi Rampaul, Tino Best, Fidel Edwards, Jermaine Lawson, Pedro Collins, Dave Mohammed.

‘Captain Fantastic’ rewrites history.

13-Apr-2004 - St John’s: (AP) Brian Lara rewrote cricket history again with a majestic 400 not out to lead West Indian domination over England in the Fourth Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St John’s. The Trinidadian became the first batsman to score 400 in Test cricket half an hour after lunch, reclaiming the record for the game’s highest score almost 10 years to the day he first set it, also against England at the same venue. Australia’s Matthew Hayden broke Lara’s 375 last October against Zimbabwe in Perth. In his 106th Test, captain Lara spent almost 13 hours and 582 deliveries for his quadruple century, then immediately declared the first innings. The Trinidadian lashed 43 fours and four sixes.
He and the great Don Bradman are the only batsmen to score more than 300 twice in Tests, and Lara resumed on Monday at 313 at 595 for five with the stated goal of making 400. Ridley Jacobs, who helped Lara add a West Indies record unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 282, compiled his third Test century of 107 not out almost unnoticed. The West Indies total was the highest scored against England, surpassing Australia’s 729 for six declared at Lord’s in 1930. Lara tied Hayden’s record 20 minutes before lunch when he stepped down the pitch to hit off-spinner Gareth Batty for his fourth six. He swept the next ball, his 546th, for his 42nd four to retake the record.
A packed crowd of more than 12,000, over half of them England supporters, rose to acclaim Lara, who removed his helmet, jumped, and punched the air in celebration. Lara was also congratulated by England, and Baldwin Spencer, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who led a small delegation onto the field to shake Lara’s hand. Before resuming the strike, Lara paused to kiss the pitch. “When I scored it (375 in 1994) before, I did not know what to expect,” Lara said. “Coming back six or seven months later to do it all over again, I feel great but to say I knew I would have done it again, no. It’s a great feeling but it’s dampened a bit by the series result,” Lara said. “I’m looking forward to us pulling something back in this Test.”
England have already secured the series. Jacobs reached his third Test century just before lunch to the delight of his home fans. He smashed three sixes and eight fours off 207 balls in just over five hours. He had a lucky escape when he was bowled for 87 by England captain Michael Vaughan but umpire Darrell Hair’s no-ball call reprieved him. The West Indies bowlers followed their captain’s lead with an impressive performance over the final two sessions to limit England to 98 for five at one point.
Vaughan was unlucky to be given out caught behind for 7 off Pedro Collins at 8-1. But his opening partner Marcus Trescothick could have no quarrel after he edged a rash cut off Tino Best to Jacobs. Best also claimed Nasser Hussain with a fast, outswinging yorker as England slumped to 54-3. It got worse after Mark Butcher passed 4,000 Test runs and was bowled by Collins for 52, and Graham Thorpe top-edged a hook off Fidel Edwards to fine leg for 10. But Andrew Flintoff (37 not out) and debutante Geraint Jones (32 not out) added 73 unbroken for the sixth wicket to give England hope. Collins took two for 37 while Best claimed two for 20 before leaving the field with an ankle injury. Lara could have topped off a great day with a slip catch to remove Flintoff off Ramnaresh Sarwan six overs from the end. The setback could not dampen another remarkable chapter in the Lara legacy.

Poor running sinks Windies U-19s.

06-Mar-2004 - DHAKA: Appalling running between the wickets at crucial stages led to the demise of the West Indies Under-19s by 25 runs in a thrilling climax to the ICC Youth World Cup cricket final against Pakistan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday.
In pursuit of 231 runs from 50 overs, Young West Indies (YWI) lost Tishan Maraj, Jonathan Augustus, Liam Sebastien and Rishi Bachan on their way to being dismissed for 205 with 17 balls to spare. Young Pakistan, behind the only half-century of the contest from Asif Iqbal, later named “man-of-the-Match,” and then clever spin bowling from Tariq Mahmood and Jahangir Mirza that put the brakes on the YWIs scoring, clinched the championship for the first time in front of an ecstatic, sell-out crowd. In the West indies chase, five batsmen got starts, including captain Denesh Ramdin, whose 36 from 61 balls was the top score, but none of them carried on for a significant innings. Tariq was the most successful Pakistan bowler with three wickets for 34 runs from his allotment of 10 overs and Jahangir prised out two for 29 from seven overs.
Iqbal hit 54 from 72 balls with three fours and one six and shared a vital fifth wicket stand of 97 from 20.5 overs with Salman Qadir, whose 42 contained one four from 63 balls, after Rishi Bachan threatened to run riot with three wickets for 34 runs from his allotment of ten overs. West Indies made a bright start to their chase with opening batsmen Maraj and Xavier Marshall sharing 69. But once Pakistan captain Khalid Latif brought spin bowlers Mansoor Amjad and Tariq into the attack, the YWI became unravelled. Maraj was run out backing up too far in the 13th over and Marshall followed three overs later when he was caught behind for 26 off 42 balls top-edging a sweep off Tariq to leave the Caribbean lads 72 for two in the 16th over.
They were still in the hunt, but Lendl Simmons and Assad Fudadin could not get the ball off the square, batting nearly nine overs together for the addition of just 12 runs, before Jahangir put them out of their misery in successive overs. Simmons, playing back to a sharply turning delivery, was adjudged leg before wicket for five in the 24th over — but might have been a touch unfortunate because of the height — and Fudadin caught at backward point for 13 to leave WI 94 for four in the 26th over. Ramdin and compatriot Augustus revived their team’s chances with a stand of 50 for the fifth wicket. The two were just getting on top of the Pakistani spin bowlers when Augustus too, succeeded in running himself out for 25 in the 37th over.
With 87 runs needed from 83 balls, it was going to be tight right to the finish. Although Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul with 24 not out and, to a lesser extent, Zamal Khan kept it interesting, the pressure was too much for YWI and they crashed. Earlier, Pakistan too, benefitted from an enterprising start after choosing to bat in ideal conditions. Khalid and Adnan Zaheer put 53 runs on the board before Ramdin’s introduction of left-arm spin bowler Bachan rocked the new champions’ boat. Adnan was bowled for 33 driving over Bachan’s first delivery in the 13th over and Khalid was stumped for 20 moving down looking to slog/sweep the left-arm spin bowler to set Pakistan back on 58 for two.
The wickets of Tariq, stumped for ten off Bachan in the 21st over, and Jahangir, caught behind for 11 off Khan, left Pakistan on the backfoot on 81 for four after 22 overs. But Asif and Salman repaired the damage and kept them on firmly on course for their date with destiny.

$60,000 for NSL Minor League cricket.

By Vinode Mamchan.
16-Jan-2004 - Nationwide Sports League will be offering up to $60,000 in prize money in their two minor league cricket series this season. The 11th annual NSL hard ball cricket series will bowl off on February 1 at venues across the South Trinidad. And the Sunday League series which is very popular among the teams will see clubs vying for $40,000 in cash prizes. There will also be a Saturday limited-overs competition and an Under-19 tournament which will carry prize money totalling $20,000.
This year the league is being sponsored by Ramsingh Sports World, agents for CA ProSport sporting products to the sum of $20,000. Teams will be given the opportunity to participate in the Premier Division, with the Division One open to the up and coming teams expected to use this competition to develop their minor league players in the communities. NSL president Lincoln Persad told Newsday his organisation is working toward bringing communities together, and it is now bearing fruit. He pointed to the increase in participating teams as testimony of the interest created in the league. Final of the Sunday League will be played under floodlights at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, South Trinidad, this season, with the Division One final taking place earlier the same day from 12.30 pm. All teams interested in taking part in the tournament can contact the NSL Office - 658-3503 or 658-6202. They are also asked to attend a league meeting next Thursday at TopSport Recreation Club, Mootoo Street, Marabella from 7.30 pm.

WI rally to 427, South Africa lead 143.

5-Jan-2004 - CAPE TOWN: Brian Lara scored one of the most stubborn hundreds of his career as West Indies fought back on day-three of the third Test against South Africa yesterday. Lara’s 115 helped his side reach 427 in reply to South Africa’s 532, a deficit of 105. By stumps, South Africa were 38 without loss in their second innings. Shortly after tea Lara glided Andre Nel to the third man boundary to become the fastest man to reach 9,000 runs in Test-match history. He reached the landmark in his 177th innings, two innings fewer than India’s Sachin Tendulkar who passed 9,000 during his unbeaten double century against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
Lara is the fifth to reach 9,000 Test runs, joining an elite club of Tendulkar, Allan Border, Sunil Gavaskar and Steve Waugh. The master batsman was happy with the achievement but quipped: “In the context of the game I have to look past that though and think of stretching it way past 9,000.” Lara was last out, bowled by Nel after five and a half hours at the crease. The dismissal gave Nel his first five-wicket haul in Tests, the paceman ending with five for 87. Lara’s 24th Test century was a study in concentration and restraint. He took West Indies past the follow-on mark of 333, unleashing his trademark attacking strokes only on the rare occasions he was offered anything genuinely loose. The captain spent just over an hour in the 90s and 25 minutes on 99, eventually reaching his hundred by hooking Jacques Kallis for six. In all, he faced 238 balls and hit 16 fours and a six. Lara had come to the crease in the fourth over of the day after overnight centurion Chris Gayle was LBW padding up to Shaun Pollock. After racing to his century on day two off only 79 balls, Gayle’s 116 came in just over two-and-half hours. He faced 120 balls, striking 20 fours and a six.
Ramnaresh Sarwan followed soon afterwards for 44, slapping a long-hop from Nel straight to backward point as South Africa’s bowlers dominated, conceding only 13 runs in the first hour. Kallis claimed the wicket of Wavell Hinds, caught behind for 13, but after debutant Dwayne Smith (20) edged Nel to second slip shortly after lunch, Lara received good support throughout the afternoon. Ridley Jacobs (23), Vasbert Drakes (20) and Dave Mohammed, who made an entertaining 36 on his debut, all played their part. South Africa batted out their 10 overs at the end of the day with only one alarm when skipper Graeme Smith, on four, mis-hooked but was dropped on the boundary by Adam Sanford. South Africa won the first two Tests of the four-match series.

Brian Lara blasts world record 28 in over.

15-Dec-2003 - JOHANNESBURG: Brian Lara broke a Test match record yesterday by hitting 28 runs in an over to help steer West Indies away from trouble on the third day of the first Test against South Africa. Lara put left-arm spinner Robin Peterson to the sword in the penultimate over of the day, driving him for four, six, six, four and four and then cutting the last ball for four. The previous record was 26 conceded by Younis Khan of Pakistan against New Zealand’s Craig McMillan in 2001 in a Test in Hamilton. McMillan hit five fours and a six.
In non-Test match play, the record is a maximum 36, achieved for the first time and most notably by Gary Sobers when he hit Glamorgan spinner Malcolm Nash for six sixes in an English county game at Swansea in 1968. At stumps yesterday, Lara was 178 not out with the West Indies on 363 for six in reply to South Africa’s first innings of 561, still 198 runs in arrears. Lara, the West Indies captain, has been at the wicket for six hours, facing 239 balls and hitting 28 fours and two sixes. It is his 23rd Test century. Peterson reflected of his mauling: “Hopefully I’ll learn from it and be a better bowler as a result.” Lara said: “I had no intention of going for it. I just wanted to get as many runs as possible.” The skipper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made 34, shared a stand of 125 for the fourth wicket that stemmed the tide after South Africa’s bowlers delivered a hostile morning session.
The West Indies had resumed on 87 for one and lost Ramnaresh Sarwan for 21 in the sixth over to end a stand of 51 shared with Daren Ganga. Sarwan was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher off an excellent ball from fast bowler Shaun Pollock that pitched on off-stump and tracked away from the right-hander. Lara flashed repeatedly outside his off stump in his first 50 and almost paid the penalty when on 15 he edged a ball from Makhaya Ntini to Pollock at slip. Pollock juggled the ball several times before it eventually fell to earth. The West Indies were able to score just 51 runs before lunch and the home side’s hard work paid dividends five balls after the break when Ganga was hurried into a hook shot by Pollock and skied a catch to Peterson at midwicket. Ganga had batted over four hours for his 60. Chanderpaul played on to a delivery from Ntini and the same bowler made it 278 for five when he had Ridley Jacobs caught behind by Boucher for four. Vasbert Drakes scored 21 before being trapped in front by Jacques Kallis and Mervyn Dillon was six not out at the close. Lara’s name is synonymous with great batting feats and he still holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket which he set in 1994 when hitting 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham. 

Scoreboard:
SOUTH AFRICA vs WEST INDIES
South Africa 1st inns: 561
West Indies 1st inns:
(Overnight 87/1)
W Hinds c Peterson b Nel 10
D Ganga c Peterson b Ntini 60
R Sarwan c Boucher b Pollock 21
B Lara not out 178
S Chanderpaul b Ntini 34
R Jacobs c Boucher b Ntini 4
V Drakes LBW b Kallis 21
M Dillon not out s6
EXTRAS (B12, LB10, W2, NB5) 29
Total for six wickets 363
Still to bat: C Gayle, C Collymore, F Edwards.
Fall of wickets: 43; 94; 141; 266; 278; 314.
BOWLING: Pollock 30-7-65-1 (NB3); Ntini 26-7-72-3 (NB2, W1); Nel 26-9-58-1; Kallis 22-6-53-1 (W1); Peterson 13-2-76-0; Smith 4-0-17-0.

Ricardo Powell to bat for T&T.

By Naz Yacoob - T&T Guardian.
10-Dec-2003 - Jamaica and West Indies middle-order batsman Ricardo Powell will represent Trinidad and Tobago in next season’s Carib Beer Regional series.
Powell is awaiting confirmation from the local Board but will line-up in tomorrow’s trial game.
According to Rambhai Patel, administrative manager and executive member of the TTCB, the 25-year-old Powell has written an official letter to the local Board stating his intentions to represent this country in the up-coming regional tournament.
Powell is married to a local resident and has been living in Trinidad since 2002. He has represented Queen’s Park Cricket Club in the Carib National League and Sunday League Limited Overs 2003 competitions.
Patel said that the local Board has written the West Indies Cricket Board seeking guidance and clarification on the matter.
Powell trained with the local squad yesterday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.
The hard hitting right-handed batsman, who has appeared in 79 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies confirmed, his intentions.
“I am willing to play for Trinidad and Tobago if selected,” Powell revealed.
The Jamaican was selected on the Shazam Babwah team to oppose a side which will be skippered by Imran Jan in tomorrow’s trial.
Former Trinidad and Tobago cricketers are welcoming Jamaican Ricardo Powell being allowed to play for Trinidad and Tobago in next year Carib Beer Cup Series regional tournament. The attacking Jamaican batsman applied to the West Indies Cricket Board to play for his adopted homeland and was given the green light. Former TT wicketkeeper batsman Derryk Murray thinks it will only strengthen the Trinidad and Tobago team. Murray said: “Powell has a good record in regional cricket and has the valuable experience in representing the West Indies team and he will be a welcome asset to the local team.
“It also increases the competition for places and now there can be no complacency among the present batsmen in the Trinidad and Tobago team.” He believes Trinidad and Tobago cricket will benefit. Former opening batsman Bryan Davis sees no problem with Powell representing TT. “This precedent has been set in the past with David Holford playing for Trinidad, Frank Worrell played for Jamaica and the current president of the WICB Teddy Joseph is a Bajan who represented Jamaica.” Davis agreed that Powell’s presence in the TT team will be a welcome addition, especially with his international experience. He added that Powell will fill the void left by some of the experienced players on duty with the West Indies team.Suruj Ragoonath, another one of TT’s former opening batsmen, is also of the opinion that Powell will enhance TT’s chances in the tournament. “Ricardo Powell will bring his international experience into a Trinidad and Tobago team that is largely inexperienced as all our top players are touring with the West Indies team,” said Ragoonath. The Alescon Comet skipper also feels that Powell will bring a different culture into the side and believes the local players can definitely learn one or two things from the Jamaican batsman.
Newly-appointed coach David Williams had his first stint with the team since his appointment was ratified on Monday by the TTCB.
The national team to oppose the Leeward Islands in the opening round of the series from January 9 to 12 at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, is expected to be named on Sunday.
POWELL: A lot has changed in Powell's private world too. He has left his homeland up North in Jamaica to come down South to make a new life in Trinidad. Powell has traded in the familiar pitches and people that have shaped his cricket thus far, for a slightly different experience.
It was not a decision lightly made.
"I'm from Jamaica and basically learned my cricket in Jamaica, so yes, it was a very hard decision at first," he says. "I was worrying about what people would think; if this was the right decision, how would I fit into the Trinidad team."
He needn't have worried.
"He brings a lot to the table," reckons Powell's new team-mate, and the man who will be his first T&T captain, Imran Jan.
Jan has come to realise there is much more life and spirit behind the placid Powell exterior.
"He's a guy who tries to help everyone around him. Nothing negative ever comes out of the guy's mouth!" says a clearly impressed Jan.
However, Powell's decision to play for T&T, while taken with the full blessing of his parents, has not been a universally popular one with his Jamaican brethren. "Unpatriotic" some have unfairly branded him. But make the decision Powell did though; all for the love of a woman.
Alicia John's willingness to give up her developing career in marketing and to make Powell her last name, was incentive enough for her Jamaican man to pull up stumps and make her T&T his home too. The transition has been smooth so far. A resident here for a year already, Powell considers himself adjusted.
He tells me: "Living in the Caribbean is almost the same really. I don't find it any different here living in Trinidad. The only thing is that people are more laid back here than in Jamaica... Trinidadians I find are very laid back. They take a longer time to do things than in Jamaica."
Perhaps that observation is based partly on his experience in his home furnishings and tent-rental store, which he makes a point of reminding me, has just moved to Carlos Street in Woodbrook, "opposite Brooklyn Bar". He and Alicia are now partners in business too, and soon enough will have a son for whom to build a legacy. Papa-to-be Ricardo hopes his contribution will include a successful career at international cricket's highest level.

Teams

Jan X1: Imran Jan (captain), Aneil Kanhai, Satish Naidoo, Dwayne Bravo, Kenton Thompson, Reyad Emrith, Samuel Felix, Avidesh Samaroo, Rodney Sooklal, Theodore Modeste, Kieron Lynch, Avalon Cuffie.

Babwah X1: Shazam Babwah (captain), Sherwin Ganga, Imran Khan, Earnil Ryan, Gregory Mahabir, Ricardo Powell, Gibran Mohammed, Ricardo Paty, Davindra Krishna, Amit Jaggernauth, Marlon Black, Brent Harriot.

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