$13M for World Cup 2007

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is to receive from the International Cricket Council (ICC) (US) $2.5 million dollars to assist in the preparation for the 2007 World Cup in cricket to be held in the region. As WICB President Rev Wes Hall said, this sum of money will be the last that any host country will receive from the ICC for World Cup preparations, hence the year 2007 was unique. Rev Hall and Chris Dehring Managing Director of World Cricket Cup 2007 reported to CARICOM heads on Friday on their progress towards preparation for the big event. Dehring is the Managing Director of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Hall, who said as President he was responsible for policy, came out from the meeting to report, “I know from what we told the Heads they are satisfied that the process of preparation and everything else connected to it will be transparent.” He assured the leaders that the WICB was very much on track, and he was sure the leaders all of whom indicated their governments’ commitment to assist, were pleased with the progress being made. Dehring said they will contract the best people in the Caribbean and in the world to help them deliver this event.

Rev Hall said that South Africa which hosted the last World Cup will be approached to provide technical assistance and already he hinted that they have agreed. He also revealed that American Donald Lockerbie will be new development consultant for the big event. Dehring observed that at the last World Cup the South African government had a very efficient security system in place. He said he was highly impressed with it. He hinted that Caribbean Heads should know by next April which cricket venues will be asked to host World Cup matches. As for himself, Hall said despite opting out of being re-elected President, as long as there was breath in his body he will play a role in West Indies cricket, whether it be coach, selector or manager. “I think God has given me the strength and ability to do that, and I will be able to give advice in most capacities if not all.”  He recalled that from 1950 to 2003 he has played a role from the period of John Goddard to Brian Lara. Hall assured he will be willing to give advice at any time. He also assured that West Indies cricket was again on the upswing with the number of young players coming into the team. “Long time you did not have to compete for a place on the team, but now you have to,” he added.