BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER OF SPORTS Hon. Glen Phillip is confident that St. Kitts and Nevis would be given the opportunity to host a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise when the second edition of the tournament takes place next year.
Earlier this year, Minister Phillip had written a letter of intent to the WICB stating that St. Kitts is desirous of hosting a franchise.
In a recent interview with SKNVibes, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Federation hosting a franchise but admitted to not receiving any correspondence of approval to date.
“I am confident! As matter of fact, there is talk going around that St. Kitts will get one of the franchises next year. I haven’t received anything concrete, however, I know of persons from St. Kitts who have been bidding to have a franchise hosted here. Based on what we are doing at the Park, we have a state-of-the-art Stadium and I see no reason why we should not attract a CPL team.”
Phillip is also of the view that hosting such a franchise could help the Federation’s sports tourism product.
“It will not only help the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis; we are speaking about sport tourism and an opportunity to sell our nation so that people outside can see what is happening here, and we can also look at a cultural aspect.”
A project to facilitate the Warner Park Cricket Stadium with lights is currently in progress and this could certainly create the possibility for the island hosting a franchise.
Recently, Senior Sports Officer in the Ministry of Sports Vernon Springer told SKNVibes that the current lighting project would put the Federation in a good position to do so.
“That is the main focus of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. We understand from the CPL organisers that they are supposed to be an expansion of two franchises for 2014.
“St Kitts and Nevis are putting itself in a good position to do so. There have already been enquiries about a franchise coming to St. Kitts and Nevis, even when the 2013 tournament was taking place.
“High on the agenda will be the execution of the lights. So when the folks come around from the West Indies Cricket Board and the CPL and they see what we have to offer, then we will take it to the next level.”
The WICB signed an agreement with the CPL with the aim of further developing and strengthening West Indies cricket by expanding the global fan base as well as increasing the number of West Indian cricketers under regional retainer contracts, and showcasing the talent and beauty of the Caribbean internationally.
The inaugural tournament was won by the Jamaica’s Tallawahs which defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Final.
