WICB pledges financial support for tournament and players

Regional cricket chief Julian Hunte says every attempt will be made to ensure the Caribbean 20/20 Championship becomes a lucrative enterprise.



Speaking ahead of the start of the second edition of the tournament next Monday, Hunte said the future commercial viability of the tournament was important, as it would allow players to increase their earnings.



Hunte says the investment in the tournament is important and necessary as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) envision the tournament will be able to turn in returns in the future.



The Caribbean 20/20, which replaces the now defunct Stanford 20/20, carries no major sponsor and has been funded largely by the WICB to the tune of almost US$ 3 million for the second year running.



The Board is expected to make a loss but Hunte says the WICB will continue to invest in the tournament to ensure it remain attractive to fans and players.



This year’s tournament will run from January 10 to 23 in Antigua and Barbados and will see 10 teams, including overseas teams Canada and English Counties Somerset and Hampshire, doing battle.



Meanwhile, Jamaica will stage a practice match this afternoon at Sabina Park in preparation for the tournament. That match is scheduled to bowl off at 2 p.m.



The final practice match will take place tomorrow at Ballards Valley in St Elizabeth. The team departs on Friday afternoon.