BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Local Organizing Committee for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has informed that preparations are on stream for the hosting of matches beginning at the end of the month.
Warner Park, the home of the St. Kitts Patriots, will be hosting four matches in this year’s competition, unlike nine games in the 2015 edition.
During a Press Conference at Warner Park yesterday (Jun. 20), Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots, Richard Berridge explained that the recent staging of the tri-series involving the West Indies gave the Local Organizing Committee an opportunity to get the stadium ready.
“The tri-series for us was like an appetizer, especially as it relates to getting everything in place at the Stadium and so forth. And we know that the general public is hungry for some good cricket.”
Giving an update on the team, he explained that several overseas players are expected in the Federation on tomorrow to begin the training camp ahead of the tournament, while the other are expected to arrive on Monday (Jun. 27) due largely in part to international commitments.
“Those players that would be coming in on Wednesday would begin to train along with the team, and coaching staff, which is led by Mr. Eric Simmons along with Mr. Andrea Colley and Floyd Reifer.”
Several West Indian players are expected to join the ranks on Monday or Tuesday, since the tri-series finals would not be completed until Sunday.
Formerly the Antigua Hawksbills, the Patriots will be playing their second season in the Federation at their home venue, and the COO has informed that all players are now fit and ready for the opening encounter.
Concerns were raised about the availability of several key players who were injuries during or after the ICC T20 World Cup in India in March.
“All the players are fit now, especially Mr. Badree and Mr. Simmons. They have been going to rehab over the last several months and they are fit and ready to go.
“One of the top T20 bowlers in the world, the Trinidadian Badree, feel and injured his shoulder while running to take a catch in the Finals of the World Cup that was won by the West Indies,” Berridge said.
Meanwhile, Venue Operations Manager Val Henry disclosed that merchandise would soon be made available for the team, adding that tickets for this year’s tournament are at their cheapest levels yet.
He also disclosed that tickets for the four home matches are currently on sale but interested person would have to purchase them online; however, a local office will be opened shortly.
“Tickets have been on sale for quite a while online and they would become available here in St. Kitts at Warner Park from the 27th on East Park Range. In terms of our overall preparation, we are very happy with the progress to date that is being made.”
The organizers have planned a number of activities including a downtown exhibition match-up between players and the public, so that the Patriots could interact with local fans.
