Parkites welcome Lara Academy opening

He believes the more venues available in the country will benefit local and regional cricket.

The Brian Lara Academy officially opened on May 12 after 13 years in the making. The venue, which was originally scheduled to open for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, opened with a bang when a Lara XI played an International XI in front a huge crowd.

Trinidad and Tobago fans can expect to see regional cricket, international cricket and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches at the Brian Lara Academy, the Queen’s Park Oval or the National Cricket Centre (Couva).

Murray, a former West Indies wicket-keeper, believes the management of the three local venues can work together. Murray said, “Of course (we can all co-exist), it is for Trinidad and Tobago first, and also for the West Indies. I would imagine the Academy could be an Academy for the West Indies, not just Trinidad and Tobago.

“From the country’s point of view it is a good thing, and it will be an important addition to the country’s infrastructure.

From the cricket point of view, the Academy point of view, we look forward to it performing a significant role in the development of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago. “ The Queen’s Park Oval first hosted a Test match in 1930 and has been a staple in West Indies cricket since then. Murray is not concerned that the Oval may host less international cricket or CPL matches, but insists the opening of the Brian Lara Academy means more cricket will be played in TT .

“It is not a concern, (the Academy) is a supplementary venue, and if it strengthens Trinidad and Tobago’s position in attracting more games and more important games, it is good for the country and by extension that will benefit Queen’s Park.” South is often said to be the home of cricket in TT , but Murray believes the South fans will continue to journey North to the Oval when matches are held there.

“I doubt that (the South people will stay in South), we always had other places such as Guaracara Park (Pointe-a-Pierre) and Gilbert Park (Couva). I don’t see that as a factor. I don’t see this as losing, I see this as more for Trinidad and Tobago.”