Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — The awarding of a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 franchise to St. Kitts and Nevis is a clear sign of confidence by the organizers in the ability of the local government and sporting fraternity to host world class events.
That was the message of Senior Sports Officer Vernon Springer as he reflected on the recent announcements by CPL management to have a franchise based in the twin-island Federation as well as the agreement to host six neutral CPL matches at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium. This is in addition to the four matches for the home team and the charity match which features the Prime Minister’s XI versus the Sir Ian Botham’s XI.
Springer stated that the monies spent by the government over the past two decades to upgrade key infrastructure such as roads, utilities, communications and health system coupled with the modern sporting facilities that were constructed make St. Kitts and Nevis an attractive venue for international sporting and entertainment occasions.
Minister of Sports the Honourable Glenn Phillip was quoted in a press release as saying “CPL delivers huge benefits to the Federation with US$26 million injected into the economy during last year’s hosting of CPL …” He added that “we see the hosting of the neutral games, alongside having our new team, as a massive opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis, and we are delighted to be welcoming all of the CPL teams to the Warner Park Stadium once again.”
The matches are expected to take place over a nineteen day period from late June to mid-July. The exact dates will be announced shortly. It was also disclosed that the franchise will be an existing one that will be relocating its home base. Locals will have the opportunity to participate in selecting the team’s name in an interactive format yet to be revealed.
The government also secured a commitment from CPL management to lend support to the Regional Under 13 Cricket tournament which has been organised by local authorities for more than 15 years, producing players such as Keiran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite who have made it to play on the West Indies Senior Men’s Team.
The draft for the 3rd edition of the 2015 CPLT20 tournament will be held on February 05.