Windwards group for W/Cup success in 2007

KINGSTOWN: Cricket administrators in the Windward Islands have committed themselves to ensuring that matches at the ICC World Cup West Indies 2007 to be hosted by territories in that sub-region get the support of all members. St Lucia and Grenada were among eight successful venues that have been awarded matches for the 2007 World Cup.

St Vincent and the Grenadines was overlooked and Dominica, the other member of the Windward Islands, did not submit a bid. “We have made some commitments, but these are just preliminary as you would remember that the organising and hosting of matches are done on a government basis and not by the cricket associations,” Lennox John, president of the Windward Islands Cricket Association, told CMC Sports. He said among some of the areas identified where support may be possible are security, pitch preparations, health services and accommodation.

John said that the 2007 World Cup will be the biggest thing to come to the Caribbean and, therefore, countries that were not fortunate with their bid must not sit idly and not make a contribution to ensure the success of the event. St Lucia will host the first round group that includes England and also host one of the two semifinals, while Grenada will host matches at the quarterfinal (or Super Eight) stage.