Bolai fails in bid to bring cricket ‘live’

CCN TV 6, through their general manager Shida Bolai, said yesterday that they have exhausted all efforts in trying to telecast “live” the West Indies tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Bolai who in the recent past has been in the forefront of negotiations to allow local cricket fans the opportunity to see the caribbean stars playing overseas, was unable this time to play the role of Mrs Claus.  “What has happened is that Sports Max out of Jamaica has outbidded the CMC (Caribbean Media Corporation) for the cricket and they have packaged both tours. It is not possible to get one. They have packaged the Zimbabwe and South African tours and are asking too much for the satellite feed,” said a disappointed Bolai yesterday. “At present it is not economical for us to carry the cricket,” she said.  Last year Bolai made a gallant effort to have the World Cup brought “live” and also brought the West Indies tour of Sharjah at little or no profit, just to satisfy the TV6 viewers.

The West Indies begin their Zimbabwe tour today with a three-day match against a Zimbabwe “A” team. The regional team will play two Tests and five One-Day Internationals before moving to South Africa for four Tests and five One-Day Internationals. During the last tour of South Africa in 1998, TV6 brought all five Tests and seven One-Day internationals “live” for the local viewing public. While acknowledging that it will be hard for local cricket lovers, Mrs Bolai said they have to understand that bringing the cricket into their living rooms cost a lot and when companies hold exclusive rights the costs rises.  “We are very sorry that our fans will not be able to see “live” cricket from Zimbabwe and South Africa and we wish that we could have done something about it. We went out into the market for advertising but were not able to come up with the required amount,” she said. Hopes are that Mrs Bolai may still be able to conjure a miracle so cricket fans can watch Lara and company over the Christmas holidays.