BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to bowl off in two weeks’ time and the St. Kitts leg on August 7, but how can local cricketers benefit from the biggest party in sports?
In an interview with this publication, Minister of Sports Glen Phillip outlined some opportunities local cricketers might receive from the CPL.
“Locals can benefits in many ways. What we are hoping, that in part of the charity game, is that we have locals both from St. Kitts and Nevis as a part of this charity game...some of our top young players will benefit.
“Also built in to this agreement, some training that will go forward from the CPL standpoint.”
The Minister added that he is also hopeful that one Kittitian would soon be playing in the CPL, but claimed it up to the cricketer.
“It is up to the player. I think this is a good time for cricketers in general for the region. You now have CPL, you now have a regional professional league so our people can benefit. It is now just a matter of applying themselves and benefit as well.”
Phillip also outlined what his Ministry has done to help local cricket.
“The Ministry is making some improvements to Warner Park and the local cricket association stands to benefit.
“What we do as part of the Department of Sports, is that we have tournaments, Grass Roots Programmes in the schools and we also have the Under-13 Tournament that we host.”
He added that the there is also the possibility of a semi-professional team being based in St. Kitts.
“I think the association themselves are thinking about having a team based here. They are having a semi-pro league throughout the Caribbean and one of the teams could be hosted here in St. Kitts.
“What we are doing is assisting in the school development. We are also in constant dialogue with the association as to the way forward.”
He also commented about reports that state local cricket associations are experiencing difficulties in accessing the Warner Park facility.
“I sat with them and I think that it had been a misconception. Part of it was we have just put lights at the practice facility at Warner Park.
“The thing is, there is some work to be done on the turf. We can open it but we do not want athletes to be hurt, so it does not make sense.”
