TT spurn offer to host one-dayers

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control (TTCBC) have declined an offer to host the second phase of the 2004 regional limited overs tournament next month. Original hosts Grenada can no longer stage the matches because Hurricane Ivan badly damaged grounds in that country last week. According to a senior official of the TTCBC, it will be “highly impossible” to host the second round matches because there is currently only one available ground for play. The second phase of the six-team tournament from October 18-25 was due to be held in Grenada, but the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) are being forced to pursue alternatives since Hurricane Ivan flattened facilities in that country.

The regional one-day tournament is set to start on October 8 in Guyana with two matches in the first phase —  Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados at Enmore, and Jamaica meeting the Leeward Islands at Bourda. Title-holders Guyana begin their defence of the crown on October 9 when they face the Windward Islands at Hampton Court. After the two preliminary phases, the top four teams will move to the Final Four competition in Barbados, with the semi-finals set for October 28 and 29 and the final for October 31.  (CMC)