Logistical problems aside, the second edition of the CLOBI Masters Cup of Cricket is ready to provide some special entertainment for this country’s cricket fans.
In fact, the death of Prime Minister David Thompson, though forcing a delay to the start of the tournament, will provide an opportunity for some of the region’s greatest ever players to be in Barbados early when Thompson’s funeral service is held next Wednesday. The service will be held at Kensington Oval, the same place where the best masters cricketers in the world will ply their trade.
Leading the list of former greats expected to be in for Thompson’s funeral is former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh.
“Courtney [Walsh] has told us that he fully understands the situation, and we’ve been forced to postpone the tournament,” Adrian Griffith, project manager of the CLOBI Cup, told the DAILY NATION in an exclusive interview.
“In fact, he [Walsh] has told us that if we need him to come in a bit earlier, he would be quite willing to come a bit earlier, and attend the Prime Minister’s funeral.”
According to Griffith, several of the Windies masters players had met Thompson and were quite willing to attend the funeral service.
Griffith, a former opening batsman for the West Indies, noted that Thompson’s death had also presented some logistical problems.
But he noted that the tournament’s corporate sponsor Virgin Atlantic Airways had been quite understanding, and was bending over backwards to make organising flights bringing in players and officials much easier.
“Everyone involved has been very understanding to date,” Griffith noted, though being reluctant to reveal what making the changes would mean for the organisers from a financial standpoint.
In fact, he said that organisers were confident the postponement of the tournament would have minimal effect on its standing.
“What we have realised in only two years is how important the tournament has already become.
“The players and management of teams have realised it has become the most important tournament for masters cricketers around the world. For a lot of them, it’s at the top of their sporting calendar, and that’s why they have been very accommodating regarding the changs we’ve been forced to make,” Griffith added.
The project manager said that though some players have already arrived in Barbados based on the initial tournament dates, many had chosen not
to return to their homelands.
Robin Singh, captain of the Indian team, chose to visit his parents in Trinidad and Tobago, whilst Barbadians Mark Alleyne, and John and Vanburn Holder are using the extra days to stay in touch with relatives in Barbados.
“They really don’t mind being here that long. They will have things to do,” said Griffith.
“The basic point is that former Prime Minister David Thompson was a huge sports fan, and we felt it appropriate to push the tournament. He was good to us, and we simply had no choice but to make the changes.
“We called all the teams involved to explain the circumstances, and they understood what position we were in. They are still very committed to coming to Barbados and giving of their best,” Griffith said.
He added that Virgin and Almond Beach Resort, the tournament’s two major corporate sponsors, remained on board and in place to provide assistance until the actual cricket started on the pitch.
He also said that efforts were being made to have all players from overseas teams arrive in Barbados between November 1 and 4. The tournament is expected to start on November 5, and climax four nights later.
“Getting people on new flights to Barbados has been the biggest challenge, mainly for players from India and Sri Lanka, but we are working on it, and we are satisfied they will get here. Things are moving slowly, but surely,” Griffith said.
Defending champions England, Sri Lanka, India, and the home-based West Indies will be playing for the top prize of $100 000. Tickets purchased before the postponement due to the late Prime Minister’s death remain valid.
barryalleyne@nationnews.com