Nagico final fails to lift Windies cricket
Andre Baptise
Published: guardian
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Given the performances of the West Indies team in Australia, many are becoming disillusioned by all that is happening, and if tournaments like these continue to be under-valued, there will similarly be further reduction in interest. Unfortunately, it seems that neither the WICB nor the TTCBC care.
Congratulations to T&T Red Force on successfully defending their Regional Super50 Overs title. Victory over a strong Barbados Pride in the final would have been pleasing, since this team initially included a number of young players, which, in the final three matches was bolstered by the presence of Darren Bravo and wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin.
The Barbadians went into the final having defeated T&T in the last Group match, at the same venue where they won the 2014 final. They boasted seven West Indian players —Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope, Joel Warrican, Kraigg Braithwaite, Carlos Braithwaite and Dwayne Smith, and many anticipated a thrilling combat.
It never materialised.
The crowd was disappointing due to the scheduling and timing of the series, since we are in the midst of a very short Carnival season. The fact it was played on Saturday and not Sunday would have also contributed to the small turn out of patrons.
It is obvious that the current West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) lacks thought and marketing skills to counter such situations.
Sponsors want value for money, and this certainly was not the case for the sponsors who must enquire from the WICB and the T&T Cricket Board (TTCBC) why the place was so empty.
At least Nagico was able to promote its staff through their involvement in the presentation of the awards. It may have been the only saving grace for the WICB and the TTCB.
This tournament is a good idea. But as advertisement for West Indies cricket, it is no good, given the poor attendance and the fact that many people were not even aware of the series. Many queried the pricing of tickets. If we judge by this, it would seem that Nagico picked up the bill for the entire tournament so there was no need for the WICB and TTCB to be concerned about gate receipts.
This speaks volumes for the lack of skill at both the WICB and TTCB that better usage was not made of social media to enhance the event, but it also reveals a tale of outdated personnel who may not have the technology awareness and adaptation to promote what they do, which is most unfortunate in this 21st century.
As host, the TTCB cannot absolve itself and must look internally at who were involved in the planning and examine what could have been done better. There are a number of skilled event management personnel in this country, who can be contracted to ensure professionalism at a tournament like this one.
Even the media booths were sparse because of the lack of interest and despite the fact that T&T lost only one match.
As to the local players, there was a lot of promise on display such as Akeal Hosein, Jon Russ Jaggesar, Evin Lewis, Kjorn Ottley and Marlon Richards. I hope the TTCBC can ensure that these youngsters are given the exposure and encouragement needed to develop. Credit must also be given to Kyle Hope (Barbados) and Narsingh Deonarine (Guyana), for their respective performances.
There is no doubt that the influence of Augustine “Gus†Logie, Kelvin Williams and the rest of the coaching team and staff, were key. Logie is a man who has had tremendous success wherever he went, and if there is one good thing the current executive of the TTCB has done, it is to retain him. Logie has a clear vision and should be supported. Williams has a lot of knowledge and experience and enjoys a great relationship with the players.
Sadly, I understand there was some envy within the offices of the TTCBC, particularly from former players who are envious of the current players, particularly those involved in the international T20 competitions around the world.
I can only hope that the executive of the TTCB is addressing this.
Given the performances of the West Indies team in Australia, many are becoming disillusioned by all that is happening, and if tournaments like these continue to be under-valued, there will similarly be further reduction in interest.
Unfortunately, it seems that neither the WICB nor the TTCBC care. After all, their respective officials still travel the Caribbean and the World on cricket business using the funds of the people of the region and ignoring Caricom as if they were just pesky flies, irritating them.
The region’s cricket is in a parlous state and while reinvention appears to be the only way forward, it is left to be seen if that can really materialise in the current environment.
: cricket. Day wunt T20 :-* :-* :-* 
:
