
By Neto Baptiste
CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Johnny Grave, said the body is hoping to do more for grassroots cricket as it continues to recover from the financial impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Speaking recently on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Grave said the CWI could roll out plans and support for grassroots programmes across the region by early next year.
“I think that for the last few years our strategic plan has focused on just getting Cricket West Indies house in order. The next plan which starts in January of next year will really focus on those territorial boards in the Leeward and Windward, both local cricket associations, to make sure they have a strategic plan that aligns with ours and the ICC’s. They’ve got that development plan in place in terms of how you link primary and secondary schools to a vibrant club game and also how you talent ID the best possible players and put them through age-group programmes,” he said.
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), Leon Rodney, had pointed to a lack of finances as one of the main hindrances in the body’s efforts to run a long term youth development programme.
Reports are that other boards across the region face similar issues in raising the necessary finances for a long term programme.
Grave said the hope is to collaborate with the various governments across the region on the way forward.
“Covid almost meant that primary school and secondary school cricket stopped for about 18 months across the region pretty consistently and it’s important for us in particular to work with the governments and the ministries of education to re-inject cricket into our schools programme. We’re supported by Republic Bank with a new initiative called Five for Fun but it’s something that, as we come out of financial crisis we’re definitely looking to increase our investment and add that grassroots base,” the CEO said.
In November 2021, CWI and the Republic Bank Group successfully completed the first trial edition of “5 for Fun” – a new and exciting cricket format designed to grow interest and participation in cricket for primary school aged children.
“5 for Fun” is designed around the principles of fun, inclusion and equality. The ‘fun’ elements of the game are rooted in its speed, energy, and uncomplicated rules. Each 5 For Fun game involves five (5) players per team playing five 6-ball overs each. Each batter faces an over from a single bowler. If a batter is ‘Out’, they will still face their allotted over, but 3 runs will be deducted from the team score. The ‘inclusion and equality’ elements ensure boys and girls of all abilities have the opportunity to play together as equals.
The initiative is however, only held in countries where Republic Bank Group operates.