St. Kitts and Nevis to host CPL Semis and Finals

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — The investment by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to outfit the Warner Park Cricket Stadium with a state-of-the-art lighting and visual media system is already paying off.

The enhanced facility and modern infrastructure were important factors that appealed to the organizers of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket tournament to award nine of this year’s 30 games to the twin-island federation. These include the semifinal encounters as well the finals.

“It’s a very proud day for St. Kitts and Nevis and also the CPL,” stated Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the CPL.

In addition to the matches, several related events will be held. One such activity is a charity match featuring celebrity owners of CPL franchises, West Indies cricket legends and other popular personalities. Proceeds will benefit a local institution. Mr. O’Donohoe added that a top international musical act and regional acts will be contracted to perform “as part of the finals week.” Local artistes will also be invited to share the spotlight.

The spinoffs for the economy are among the numerous benefits offered by what has been dubbed the “Biggest Party/Sporting Event in the World.” During the inaugural matches last year, an approximate total of US $105 million (EC $285 million) was generated for the six venues that staged games. This includes more than US $20 million for Trinidad and Tobago, the host country of the 2013 semifinals and finals.