St. Kitts and Nevis signals interest in CPL Franchise

Vernon Springer

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 22, 2013 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has entered the field of candidates wishing to host a franchise cricket team for the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Senior Sports Officer Vernon Springer, told SKNIS that the Minister of Sports Honourable Glenn Phillip has written a letter of intent to Verus International – which runs the CPL – indicating that the country is interested in hosting a team and the necessary infrastructure to facilitate this will be in place before the July 29 tournament start.

One such requirement is the ability to accommodate night matches. The Ministry recently announced the contracting of Qualite Sports Lighting LLC to install a six pole lighting system at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium as well as the training facility at the Carib Brewery Len Harris Cricket Academy. Additionally a new electronic scoreboard is to be mounted on the grounds.

St. Kitts and Nevis has the experience of successfully hosting various regional and international events including the 2008 CARIFTA Games and first round matches for the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup in 2007.

Springer added that while the twin-island Federation stands to benefit economically, if awarded a franchise, the Government was looking forward to an expected heightened interest in playing cricket from young people.

The CPL is slated to run from July 29 to August 26. A number of international cricket players have signalled their intention to play in the competition including Ricky Ponting of Australia, Ross Taylor of New Zealand and Mohammad Hafeez of Pakistan.