BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - WITH the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) set to bowl off in just over a month’s time, preparations are apace for the staging of the event under a strict bio-secured bubble that will see a number of measures in place to ensure it is held without any hiccups.
From continuous COVID-19 testing to no outside contact with the general public are some of the measures implemented for this year’s event that will be played exclusively at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
Like last year, COVID-19 has made a significant impact on the staging of the event around the region and organisers believe that it is best for all 33 games to be played in one location, minimising the travels of participating teams.
Chris Watson, Head of Marketing for CPL, who is making rounds on the local media houses to promote the tournament, explained that the Federation was chosen for the staging of the event due to the support received from fans and the Government.
St. Kitts and Nevis received the nod earlier this year due to the low number of COVID-19 cases and the number of practice facilities that were put forward by the Government to ensure adequate social distancing measures were in place.
“So, for us at CPL, when we think St. Kitts and Warner Park, we think of the fantastic support, incredible atmosphere, sixes flowing out of the stadium and the super over with Carlos Braithwaite, incredible moments of cricket,” Watson said during a radio interview.
With the Federation recently coming out of a period of lockdowns and there being hesitancy towards the Government’s ongoing vaccination drive, it now being mandated that only fully vaccinated individuals would be allowed entry into the Warner Park Stadium.
The ground will have 50 percent capacity and that number will be fully enforced.
“We will be welcoming fully vaccinated fans to come in as we said up to 50 percent capacity. And there will be a number of COVID measures in place, things that you would expect, such as sanitisation points, clear signage, announcements, staff sort of assisting and clearly helping with keeping people safely distanced,” Watson said.
So how will the fully vaccinated entry to Warner Park be enforced?
To this question, Watson said: “We are working closely with the St. Kitts Government to narrow down the final ticketing process...We have a pretty robust plan working on at the moment, which is just validating a couple of options, whether that be at the point of purchase…”
According to Watson, all of the technical staff, crew and CPL contingent would be tested before leave their respective jurisdiction, and when they arrive there would be frequent tests while on the island.
Approximately 225 players, staff, TV and other technical personnel in the tournament are expected to descend on St. Kitts for the August 26- September 16 event.
