ICC turns down request for second simulated test
By Roger Persaud
Stabroek News
March 17, 2007
"We are ready for cricket" is what Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organizing Committee for Cricket World Cup 2007 Karan Singh said at the LOC's weekly media briefing yesterday at the National Stadium at Providence, yesterday.
However Singh, in response to a question, said the International Cricket Council (ICC) turned down their request for a second simulated test including a game that was proposed for March 17.
"it is specified in the ICC's Bid book no cricket can be played at the venues 30 days prior to the matches," Singh said.
"The main pitches are ready and waiting so are the practice pitches," Singh added.
Singh also said pitch consultant for the ICC Andy Atkinson was due in Guyana today.
"Many ICC and CWC personnel are here in Guyana monitoring our progress as we get closer. A team from the ICC will be here on the 19th to make sure everything is perfect when we start playing," Singh disclosed.
Inside the stadium apart from the lush green of the outfield, the preparation was evident. Advertising boards are going up giving the stadium the same appearance visible on television at World Cup venues.
The LOC was also covering signs at the Georgetown Cricket Club at Bourda and Everest Cricket Club on Camp Road.
"We are required to cover those signs at the practice venues," Singh said.
Singh reiterated:"We are confident we will have everything ready once the proceedings begin. The only area of concern is getting the Information Technology Centre ready for the onslaught of media personnel expected from March 21."