90th Anniversary of recognition of WICB by ICC

Dear Editor,
There is absolutely no doubt that cricket is the Number One Sport in the Caribbean, but during the past decade there has been a lack of interest on the part of fans because of the poor performance of the players, the problem between the WICB, the WIPA and the players etc. However because of the magnificent performance of our cricketers to win the T20 World Cup, the under 19 tournament and the Women’s Cricket tournament, interest has been revived.
There have also been calls by well-known individuals and organisations to abolish the West Indies Cricket Board. In fact the Barriteau Report last year recommended the immediate dissolution of the WICB. The recommendation has been endorsed by Keith Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada, who was the spokesperson for CARICO Mon the summer game. However his counterpart in Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, wantsthe Board to continue its work. In a statement Browne said the game would be plunged into further chaos and confusion if the WICB were to be dissolved. The Antiguan leader speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Caricom Cricket Committee governing West Indies cricket says the Board and the stakeholders strengthen the WICB structure by ensuring “greater transparency and accountability”, and a better dispute resolution process. He said his government is prepared to spend millions in promoting the game. He announced that his government is in negotiation with the Stanford liquidator receiver to acquire the Stanford Cricket Ground, Sticky Wicket and other amenities with the WICB PM’s Browne statement is well received by cricket fans throughout the region and the wider world because it might take several years to set up a new structure for the administration of the sport. Last Tuesday marked the 90th year of the recognition of the WICB by the ICC.

Sincerely,
Oscar Ramjeet