‘Give us vision lest we perish’

FORMER CRICKETER-turned-politician Wavell Hinds is questioning the Jamaican Government’s commitment to local sports after the announcement that the country’s premier Twenty20 (T20) cricket franchise, the Jamaica Tallawahs, will not be a part of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament in 2024.

The Tallawahs will now be replaced by a team from Antigua, who last had a representation nine years ago as the Antigua Hawksbills.

This, due to the owner’s decision to sell the franchise following a lack of support from the Jamaican Government.

Hinds, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) deputy general secretary, said it was “very disappointing to learn” of the news, as a former player and “current administrator of our wonderful game”, especially a year after CPL’s Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell “registered his disappointment in the Government of the day’s reluctance to engage with cricket”.

“Well, this continued approach by the Government has certainly not helped and our country’s national sport is taking another beating,” remarked Hinds during a telephone interview with The Sunday Gleaner yesterday.

“I’m privileged to have information on the socioeconomic impact of having Tallawahs playing their games in Jamaica (at Sabina Park, Kingston and/or Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, Trelawny) and it is very beneficial to the sport and people of Jamaica,” said Hinds.

The Tallawahs franchise, three-time winners of the CPL with their last victory coming in 2022, may also have new owners and a new home as early as the 2025 season, if the CPL, who holds the right to the franchise, and are actively looking for a buyer, manages to get a deal done.

It is understood that several prospective buyers are already in place.

PROPOSAL

Reports in the media claim that a proposal was made to Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, which would not only see T20 cricket return to Sabina Park in 2024, but would have kept the franchise running.

It has been reported that Tallawah’s previous owner, Kris Persaud, a Guyanese businessman, and Russell met with Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange on several occasions over the past two years to find a solution. However, the Government reportedly didn’t see the value in Jamaica hosting CPL games.

“The cost to host the CPL leg in Jamaica is approximately US$800,000 with the CPL management prepared to share the cost (at 50/50) with the Government. And, an economic impact return of approximately US$12.5m. The immediate social impact of having young aspiring cricketers and fans watching their local stars, some who are now global superstars, is immeasurable. Additionally, this will certainly help to continue the development and promotion of our national sport. This sounds to me like the Government has no interest in cricket when I reflect on the fact that the Government failed to bid to host games in the impending ICC 2024 T20 World Cup,” argued the decorated left-handed opener.

Since last week, former Tallawahs captain and current West Indies T20 skipper, Rovman Powell, blasted authorities for not doing enough to have international cricket being played on Jamaican soil.

“I am a Jamaican. I want to play in front of my home crowd but for the last two years, I haven’t. The West Indies Cricket Board and the Jamaican Government really have to sit down and have a conversation about that,” said Powell to regional media, following the Windies 3-2 series win over touring England.

Those games were played elsewhere; in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.

Hinds believes the Government’s current stance is causing a great deal of harm to sports development in the country.

“This retrograde approach is not serving the game, fans and the private investors’ interests, which is very disappointing and nonsensical. It is full time cricket and sports in general is coordinated and administered through a sound policy with practical and applicable procedures to support execution,” he said.

Minister Grange said the organisers did not consider the Government’s support to be adequate.

“What they would want, we cannot provide at this time, but what I am saying to you is that I will make a further statement,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, sports psychologist Dr Olivia Rose is dismissing the theory that Jamaica is no longer a cricket nation.

“This underscores the importance of adequate support to franchise cricket. There needs to be better governance regarding the business of sports. These, along with competent personnel are crucial for the preservation and promotion of the nation’s sporting identity. As we now mourn the loss of what could have been a source of pride and economic benefits, I will close with a line from our national anthem: ‘give us vision lest we perish’,” said Rose, the junior shadow Cabinet spokesperson on sports and entertainment.