SKN to bid for 2022 Under-19 World Cup Games

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH the Caribbean set to play host to the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, the Federal Government is preparing to bid for one or two groups to play matches in the twin-island Federation.
 
The proposal would be for the games to be staged at the Federation’s only international venue, Warner Park Cricket Stadium, but other first-class grounds such as St. Paul’s, Conaree and Cayon could be factored into the mix.
 
Jonel Powell, Minister of Sports, acknowledged the interest to SKNVibes Sports that through the Department of Sports, the Government has received a bid package from Cricket West Indies on hosting either group or practice matches in the tournament.
 
“As we prepare our bid, there are a number of things that are taken into consideration based on the actual bid package, which includes a requisite number of hotel rooms. There is a minimum, which we obviously believe that we would have available,” the Minister explained.
 
If successful, this would be the second time that St. Kitts and Nevis would be playing host to an international Cricket World Cup event. That goes with the 2007 Men’s Cricket World Cup that saw matches being played at Warner Park.
 
This time however, there is the presence of the COVID-19 Pandemic that will be factored into consideration when placing bids.
 
“Basically, it is minimum requirements in respect of hosting the teams and the logistics required; all of which we more than have the capacity to do. We have done it in the past and we will be fully ready to have available come that time,” the Minister said.  
 
The tournament is expected to feature a total of 16 teams and will span across approximately one month in the limited or 50-Over format.
 
According to reports, the tournament is scheduled to be held at the beginning of 2022.
 
The Minister revealed that there is no direct price attached for bidding to host the games, but he however reminded that some budgetary allocations might have to be made available to facilitate the smooth flow of logistics.
 
“...at the same time, in order to accommodate that level of match and the number of persons, there will be expenses that the government would have to incur in order to meet the minimum requirements” Powell added.  
 
Minister Powell asserted that Cricket West Indies have, in recent time, changed their policy when it comes to awarding international games to the various territories.
 
According to the minister, under that new policy,  territories are no longer required to pay to host games, but rather a new set of criteria such as cricket development and facilities that must be met before games are awarded.