Clubs To Benefit From First Cricket Tournament Since Covid-19

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Defending champions for the Cool & Smooth T20 Explosion, the PIC Liberta Blackhawks, are expected to compete in December’s 10 Splash Cricket Tournament (File photo)
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By Neto Baptiste

Clubs participating in the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s (ABCA) 10 Splash Cricket Tournament slated for December will all receive appearance fees.

This is according to president of the association, Leon Rodney, who said that in a recent meeting with member clubs, it was decided that although teams will not be playing for prize monies, they will receive a boost in finances as they prepare for what will be the association’s first tournament since March.

“There is no secret to it, no science to it and we have asked the clubs to work along with the association for this one and let us get the tournament on. There is no prize money, they are playing for a trophy but the clubs will be paid a participation fee and all the clubs will get the same participation fee which is EC $1,500 dollars,” he said.

The association announced the return of competitive cricket one week ago, adding that they will host a 10-over competition at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Rodney said plans are that the authorities will also allow spectators to take in the matches at the spacious North Sound venue.

“As far as I know, yes, people will be allowed into the venue but I will confirm the full details when I meet with the ministry as to what will obtain, but as we have always said the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground is a very huge ground and just taking from what you would have seen at King Swallow’s funeral and all of the funerals that would have taken place at the ground, I don’t think that you would tell people they can’t come and watch cricket at the cricket ground,” he said. 

Rodney also sought to explain the rationale behind choosing a shorter version of the game over the popular T20 format.

“I know a few recommendations was for us to do the 20 overs tournament, but let us agree and understand that we are committed to Cool & Smooth as our T20 person. We have an agreement with them and you don’t really want to go, as an association and having a next T20 tournament knowing that you already committee this version of the game to Cool & Smooth and I think we still have two years with that arrangement,” the cricket boss said.

The schedule for the proposed 10 Splash tournament will be publicized this week.

There has been no competitive sport in Antigua since March this year with the country going on lockdown shortly after recording its first case of the virus.

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