The Caribbean is no stranger to Twenty20 cricket as the West Indies are the current world champions and of course, there was that sordid flirtation with disgraced financier Allan Stanford.
The audience included members of the Caribbean media, Ministers of Governments from around the region, regional cricket board representatives and West Indies cricket legends such as Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Reverend Wes Hall, Desmond Haynes, Clive Lloyd, Joel Garner and Marlon Samuels. President of the West Indies Board Dr. Julian Hunte sat at the top table to highlight the Board’s backing for the prestigious tournament and everyone heard about the heightened international exposure from which the Caribbean will benefit.
The one-month tournament will start on 29 July and there will be six franchise countries – Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, captained by the mighty Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, West Indies captain Darren Sammy and big-hitting Kieron Pollard. Not surprisingly there are no Barbadians leading a franchise team given the island’s poor run of form in recent times.
Mr. Khan has some lofty goals - “The CPL will showcase the beauty and talent of the Caribbean to the world with the best cricketers from the West Indies playing alongside their international counterparts, coupled with celebrity appeal from Hollywood, Bollywood and local and international music talent with the carnival atmosphere for which the Caribbean is world-renowned. This is sure to attract the attention of new cricket fans across the globe. We’re going to make sure that all eyes are on the shores of the Caribbean in July and August. I believe that the Caribbean Premier League will have a tremendous economic impact, not only for the six franchise countries but also for the entire region. Benefits include international and regional travel to and around the Caribbean, hospitality, entertainment, transportation and shopping. There will be significant advertising and marketing revenue as we plan to make the Caribbean Premier League the biggest party on the planet; which will result in a significant boost in local employment opportunities surrounding the events.”
The six franchised players are the highest rated in the region and other international players will be enrolled later. However, they are unlikely to include any English players given the county circuit will still be in full flight in July. But there are restrictions- only four non-West Indian players can be contracted for each team to maximise the development of the six franchise teams, each team will have 15 players, and at least six must be local players from that franchise country. In addition, at least four of the players must be under the age of 23.
The West Indies President Dr. Hunte is obviously delighted with the financial input-
“The WICB is particularly pleased about the opportunities the CPL will provide to players but is equally elated with the agreement will allow for regional retainer contracts for a broad pool of players. These contracts will be funded by the CPL to the tune of US$360,000 annually. This significant investment will truly allow for cricketers in the Caribbean to pursue their profession as professionals.”
There is no doubt the modern game is steamrolling down the Twenty20 cricket road and the huge financial returns should not be missed. India, Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh are already on the bandwagon and now Pakistan and West Indies are joining them.
Is there an opportunity for Cricket Ireland to reap a better return than the current Twenty20 set-up?
Twenty20 cricket is pure circus and it only works if there is enough money to promote it and pay big appearance money and prize money to attract the big names. It doesn’t work at grassroots level and can’t be a money-spinner if it is done on the cheap.
If Cricket Ireland is to capitalize on Twenty20 cricket then that’s where we have to start. Sell the franchises all over Ireland and forget about provincial unions and clubs, as this is not about traditional cricket it is about razzamatazz, fun, revelry and popularizing this form of cricket to a completely new audience.
Time to think and act outside the box.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
