Sport Scope
Stabroek News
January 24, 2007
The decision has been taken. There will be no regional cricket matches at the Providence Stadium.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had entertained the idea of hosting both the four-day Carib Beer fixture between Guyana and Barbados billed for February 5-8 and the One-Day KFC clash between the same two teams on February 10.
However, there seems to be a change of policy in the hosting of these two events.
Stabroek Sports was informed by the GCB earlier that the Carib Beer match had been scratched but the possibility still existed for the One-Day fixture to be played.
But at last week's LOC press conference, Minister responsible for Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, confirmed that the One-Day game would not be facilitated.
"Nothing should interfere with the work we have left," the Minister said obviously ignoring the requirement that an event be held at the new stadium prior to the big event in order to evaluate performance in several areas including safety and security.
But the Minister did give reasons for the decision. He cited ongoing works at the stadium plus the impending visit of the International Cricket Council's Venue Assessment Team which is due to arrive here on February 6 for what the LOC describes as a final fine tuning as the reasons why no regional matches will be staged there. When asked about the ongoing works the Minister said drains are being installed access roads are being readied and other minor touch ups are being done in several areas.
CEO of the LOC Karan Singh added that the LOC is obligated to hand over the new stadium to CL Events a material and service provider to CWC in order for them to get the stadium decorated and properly prepared for the big event.
The LOC will now have to organize an event to simulate match day conditions to fulfill the requirements necessary.
Meanwhile, last week's KFC clash between Guyana and Trinidad was played at the renovated Queens Park Oval providing the perfect opportunity to evaluate their operation in a match day scenario.
Security checks started two blocks before the stadium and in order to access the media centre three separate security check points had to be successfully negotiated.
Security personnel ringed the perimeter of the ground throughout the game, a security cordon was set up as players or umpires exited the pavilion, also during the long breaks four security officers guarded all sides of the pitch.The renovated facility looks fantastic and only the `Trini Posse' Stand is yet to be completed but Trinidad officials said everything is on schedule as planned.
There have been concerns raised over the pitch and the outfield at Providence Stad-ium and a regional match would have given those in authority a perfect opportunity to gauge those concerns.
Let us hope that the organizers do not engage in a cosmetic quick fix which will come undone when the Super Eight matches are staged here.