52 sport
WEEK ENDING APRIL 24, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
WICB responds to critics …says Board has lived up to promises The following is a statement from the Board of Directors and the Executive of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)
ers, and how they fit into the existing high performance programme and to determine the most affordable remuneration packages.
estructuring in today’s sporting world simply means choosing the best model for the sport at the time. This may best be defined by the resultant effect of an economic impact model which clearly states that revenue-sharing is vital for all stakeholders. In an ongoing effort, the WICB in its financials for the year ending September 30, 2015, reported a surplus (US$3.5 million) which resulted in the deficit being reduced to just under US$2 million. The WICB has over the last decade commissioned several reports whose results have largely been implemented. The one recommendation that has not been favoured by the current or the previous board is the adding of another layer to the existing body. That has been the bane of contention in recent times with a few groups calling for the dissolution of the board. In 2014, the WICB rolled out its franchise system, which sought to “professionalize the
The Board in its latest response to all the reports and the most recent tabled by the subcommittee on CARICOM committed to • Look back at all the reports with a view to see which of the recommendations are suitable at this time • Put in place a firm and/or individual with the expertise to review the recommendations and manage the implementation • Meet with its stakeholders to effect the changes WINNING WORLD TITLES In under 100 days since the start of 2016, three teams from the West Indies in two formats won three world titles. That accomplishment has come as part of the high performance programme implemented just over two years ago. That there are small groups clamouring for the board’s dissolution is reason to ask… what more could a region want? The acceptance of an average of 90 per cent of
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game and revolutionize how players are engaged.” This system added 90 professional players which play first class cricket in the 50-overs and 4-Day format in addition to a partner for the Twenty20 – the Caribbean Premier League. Those leagues have shown tremendous potential from all involved. The opportunities for the next generation of players is to be discovered from this ongoing series of programmes. This model has created the following • 15 men on retainer contracts • 11 women on re-
tainer contracts • 90 players on first class retainers • Regional women’s tournament The three main competitions in the domestic markets are the • Super50 • 4-Day Professional Cricket League and the • Caribbean Premier League – where players earn from a minimum of US$5,000 to a maximum of US$160,000 The WICB realises the role it has to play in the constant changing environment in the business of cricket and just recently at its Annual General Meeting (AGM)
in March set a team, led by Independent Director, Don Wehby to reassess all the reports and to make recommendations to make the organisation more efficient. FULL CIRCLE CONSULTATION The Board will host its annual retreat (at the most suitable time) in the early part of the summer with players, technical team, player representatives, management staff and directors to chart the way forward. The primary focus for this year’s retreat will be to find workable solutions with regards to re-engagement of play-
all the commissioned reports received have been implemented minus adding another layer of bureaucracy cannot justify calling for the board to be dissolved. Instead the small groups should consider among other things promises made by Governments to contribute to the growth of cricket by • Hosting matches/international series • Continuing to facilitate development which aids in the growth of sport • Creating a more enabling environment for movement around the region • Revitalizing cricket in the schools across the region. • Assisting in the setting up of territorial academies The global sports industry is going through constant change and so are all the sporting disciplines. One thing that is sure though is that organisations are moving towards being more efficient in their structure to be able to ease decision-making and to create the most effective model for business. The Board so far has lived up to its promises, and while that is being done, “let’s trust the process.”
CPL yet to sign off on Finals …“We’re trying everything possible to bring the games to Guyana” – Trotman
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he Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL) is yet to sign off on the Finals of the tournament later this year. After reports surfaced this week that Guyana was awarded the Finals, Guyana Times International Sport sought clarification from Hero CPL, which had not made an official statement regarding the host nation for those crucial games. When contacted on Wednesday afternoon, a source close to CPL revealed that nothing has been finalised. “Nothing has been agreed or signed regarding the Finals, so there’s nothing to add at this point,” the source indicated. The source did not divulge further details. It is understood that Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have also submitted bids to host the Finals. Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesman, Raphael
Trotman, earlier on Wednesday indicated at a post-Cabinet press briefing that Guyana will host the Final, Semifinals and four other games during the June to August tournament. Trotman’s utterances came a day after Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, under whose ministry sport falls, declared to this newspaper that “yes, we have the Finals.” Trotman said, “The initial request was in excess of [US]$2 million; we are still to confirm, but the last figure I know about is on or about $1.5 million package, but the Minister of Finance is yet to conclude the discussion and negotiations with the organisers.” It is understood that CPL was asking for US$4.5 million (G$932.4million) for the award of the Final-four, but last year it was reported that the Trinidad government invested US$3.5 million (TT$24
million). This publication also learnt that the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise has injected US$2 million to ensure the games come to Guyana.
Outstanding sum
Trotman further stated that when government officials met with CPL personnel last year, a settlement was reached on the outstanding sums owed to CPL.
“When we assumed office, we were told that there was outstanding bill of half million dollars which no documentation could readily be provided for. Through interventions made from overseas, a group of ministers and others met with the CPL officials late last year and we managed to arrive at what we believe is a settlement
[and] even though there was no documentation to support the claim of US$500,000 being owed, we believe that in the interest of cricket, good relations in the future of the sport that we should come to an amicable solution, so we decided that it would be paid in tranches and also what I think was attractive to government was that the CPL organisers extended
to us the offer of the finals and semi-finals and four games here.” With Guyana celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary this year, Trotman believes hosting the Finals here would be a great addition to those planned celebratory activities. “In our Jubilee year, it would be a good fillip to the celebrations; we are doing everything possible to bring the games to come to Guyana,” Trotman said. Quizzed on whether the Finals would be a good investment for the country, the minister said, “We believe, for the reasons I stated, this is our Jubilee year, cricket of course, given the West Indies teams three feats we regard having international stars in Guyana and the festive mood, would be a good injection to our economy.” Hero CPL 2016 is slated for June 29 to August 7.