Lynch: Local cricketers to benefit from T20 World Cup

Hosting the upcoming T20 World Cup has served to not only transform Kensington Oval into a multi-purpose stadium, but will also create opportunities for Barbados’ young proficient cricketers.

This word comes from chairman of the National Organising Committee (NOC) Noel Lynch, who has maintained that the upcoming tournament is a major boost not just for cricket, but for all of the additional spinoffs it will bring.

Speaking to members of the media during today’s Open Day for citizens at the newly renovated Kensington Oval, Lynch said the venue will be used to foster new cricketing talent, which in turn will bring more skilled local players to a number of franchise tournaments.

“This is the real basis for the cricket factory that we want to produce for the future. I can’t think of anything that a boy or girl could do in Barbados that can earn you more money now than playing franchise cricket.

“Being able to play franchise cricket, and T20 cricket which is what this World Cup is about, is for all young Barbadians to ensure that they feel a part of the movement and this historic thing that we are doing,” Lynch said.

Additionally, the NOC chairman maintained that the upcoming tournament, which will bowl off on Sunday, is a major boost not just for cricket, but for all of the additional spinoffs it will bring.

“Fundamentally, this is an important step for Barbados, an important social and economic step going forward. The people who talk about hosting global events, say that the holy trinity of hosting global events are economic impact, infrastructural legacy, and promotional value. I think that Kensington Oval is the centerpiece of this tournament and fits right into the center of that,” Lynch said.

“This is not just going to be a cricket facility, the intention here is to have an all-purpose entertainment facility. Apart from what you see here and how the $37 million has been spent on the bathrooms, bleachers, new scoreboard etc – there is a new field covering that is coming. The reason that the new field cover is coming, is that you can play cricket here one day, cover the field, have an entertainment event here, come back the next day and play cricket all over again.

“Then there is another component which is the drop in pitches – which the Prime Minister insisted on – which will also assist in making this full-fledged entertainment facility that we are talking about. We could put down in here a track and field track, maybe a cycle track if you wanted to, you can hold tennis, we can shoot a movie, hold a concert, all of those
things are important for the iconic Kensington Oval,” he added. (SB)