To St Kitts we go!
The “biggest party in sport” is back, and while it’s too early to tell if that’s ‘better than ever before’, it will certainly be better received by the fans of the Caribbean’s T20 league.
As had obtained in 2020, the entire tournament will be hosted exclusively in one Caribbean territory, and St Kitts and Nevis is that lucky country. However, to add some groove to the already catchy melody, 50% fan capacity at the hosting stadium (Warner Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts) has been greenlighted by the island’s government.
The highly anticipated announcement of the tournament’s venue came on Tuesday morning during a virtual media engagement with CPL officials, SKN Government personnel, and media operatives from around the region.
Last year the tournament was successfully staged in a bio-secure bubble, and the Hero CPL operations team would again be working closely with the tournament’s medical advisors, local agencies, and the St Kitts & Nevis Government to ensure the health and safety of all those involved in the tournament, as well as the local population.
St Kitts & Nevis has largely been bypassed by COVID-19, and is one of the safest places to visit in the Caribbean.
Warner Park has been the scene of some of the most iconic matches in Hero CPL history, and this quick-scoring ground will be an ideal venue for the tournament. Thus, fans can expect explosive cricket.
From Chris Gayle’s brilliant hundred against the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2019 to Andre Russell’s even more explosive century against the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2016, Warner Park has had some classic individual performances.
There have also been some amazing matches, not least the game that went to a Super Over finish between the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and the Knight Riders in 2019.
Hero CPL has provided outstanding exposure for the Caribbean, with each season bringing a huge positive economic impact and highlighting the region as one of the must-visit tourism destinations. With the tournament set to take place in St Kitts & Nevis in its entirety, the Federation of SKN can look forward to even more focus on what makes it one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.
This year’s tournament takes on extra significance with it taking place in the lead up to the ICC T20 World Cup, and West Indies and overseas players will be using this opportunity to push for selection to their international teams.
Highlighting that SKN has registered only 44 COVID-19 cases to date, with no deaths, the country’s Minister of Sport, Jonel Powell, took the opportunity to make the announcement.
“And so we’re confident in our ability to contribute to sport, and in this regard, the CPL. It is my pleasing duty to announce that yesterday, (Monday) the Federal Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis approved the hosting of the entire 2021 CPL tournament here in St. Kitts and Nevis, to be held here in Warner Park, Basseterre,” Powell shared.
“We look forward to partnering with CPL. We look forward to the tremendous economic benefits that will flow from having the entire tournament held here, and the continued cricket development that ensues from the relationship between us, the CPL, the SKN Patriots, and the whole local cricket association.”
Continuing during the virtual media engagement on Tuesday morning, Powell explained what the fan situation would be like at CPL 2021, and the requirements for such.
“As of the 15th of May 2021, St Kitts and Nevis will be allowing patrons to attend all sporting events to the capacity of 50% of the venue. Those patrons will have to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. This will extend to all sporting events, and will include CPL,” the Sport Minister proudly announced.
CPL Chief Operating Officer Pete Russell shared his elation at being back in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, and revealed when the tournament would bowl off.
“From a CPL perspective, we’re thrilled. Delighted to be back in St. Kitts. As the Minister alluded to, we have a great history going back to 2014, and I have no doubt that the games this year will be as exciting and well attended,” Russell commented.
“And I’m thrilled to hear this year that we’re going to get 50% attendance; because, as you know, we’ve missed the crowds. So we can’t wait to get started, and as I stated, the first ball will be bowled on Saturday, August 28.”
According to Russell, Whether or not players would have to be vaccinated is still a matter that would be determined by the Chief Medical Officer.
The COO also hinted at many surprises in the player draft, which is tentatively set for May 26 for the 33-game tournament.
