Cricket heavyweights promise improvement over 2007 World Cup

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados-TOP officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have stated their confidence that the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 championships will be more successful than the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

An official ceremony for the launch of ticket sales was held on Saturday (Oct. 31) at Kensington Oval and the President of the WICB, Dr. Julian Hunte, said that ticket sales should quickly help the relevant planning committees assess the success of the tournament thus far.

“In many ways, this will define how well we are planning and naturally how well the tournament is received by fans in the Caribbean and around the world. The sale of tickets is one of the most effective and tangible barometers for measuring public excitement and expectation about a particular event or occasion,” he stated.

Ticket prices are a major difference between the Twenty20 tournament and the 2007 World Cup, according to Tournament Director Robert Bryan, as they have been significantly reduced and should invite stronger attendance.

With prices for the matches ranging from entirely free for some of the early rounds to US $40 for a combined package of both the men’s and women’s finals in Barbados on May 16, Hunte said excitement for the tournament is rapidly building.

“The public’s vibe has so far been positive towards this tournament and we anticipate that we will see that mounting goodwill borne out in the ticket sales, both regionally and internationally. Strong and speedy ticket sales will auger well for the match-day spectacle of packed stands with screaming spectators.”

Chief Executive of the ICC Hargoon Lorgat indicated that the stiff security that stifled the Caribbean cricket spirit during 2007 would be rolled back to a more appropriate level that ensures a balance between safety and celebration.

“We want to see people filling the party stands, enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of a day at the cricket. We want them to bring their conch shells, their drums, their flags and banners. We want them to bring their voices, their sense of humour and their passion for the game and for their team.
“In short, we recognise the unique nature of cricket in the West Indies and we want this to be a cricket tournament with a genuine West Indian feel,” Lorgat stated.

With nearly US $3 million guaranteed to the Caribbean from the ICC to host the matches in St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia and Guyana, Bryan said that fans in the Caribbean can expect a significant improvement over 2007.

“I still believe that in spite of whatever experience existed in 2007…Caribbean people love a good game of cricket and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the international stars at their best.”
There will not be a lottery system for tickets, and seats shall be sold by seated, grounds or party stand groupings on a first come, first served basis.

Fans in the Caribbean have a distinct advantage for buying tickets, as they do not go on sale to the international community until November 15.

Tickets and a full pricing list can be obtained by visiting www.iccevents.yahoo.com, checking with local ticketing offices, calling the international call centre at +44 207 998 3125 or dialing the toll-free customer service line at 1 800 744 GAME.