BCA slighted

The actions of Cricket West Indies (CWI) to engage the government of Barbados in talks and not include the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) as it relates to hosting the West Indies against Australia series, has been described as not only insulting but disrespectful.

Many aggrieved BCA members are also unhappy about the decision taken not to have spectators attend the matches.

It was also confirmed today by the BCA in a press release that no spectators will be allowed into Kensington Oval for the three One-Day International matches starting Tuesday, July 20.

“It says that there is a disconnect between Cricket West Indies and the Barbados Cricket Association, there is a disconnect. It is insulting. You can not come into a place and step over the local (governing body).

“What I find disrespectful is that Cricket West Indies would find it possible to negotiate with the government of Barbados without the involvement of the local organisation,” a highly reliable and well-placed source told Barbados TODAY on strict conditions of anonymity.

“That was a decision taken between Cricket West Indies and the powers that be in Barbados. The BCA had no influence over whether spectators were allowed. This I suspect was a decision taken by the Ministry of Health or their offices.

“My discontent is not about spectators not attending really, my discontent is really how it was arrived at, that your local sporting organisation has no influence over what happened.

“Barbados cricket had no influence over what has happened. All negotiations were conducted between the government of Barbados and Cricket West Indies. Barbados Cricket Association is out of the picture in terms of what is going on,” the source explained.

The official said this was a deliberate attempt to isolate certain territories from being involved in the decision-making of West Indies Cricket.

“The cricket will go on, we will see it on television and radio and I think it was a deliberate attempt to isolate certain territories from involvement. Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana have got a long history of playing cricket and you cannot erase it. It is there.

“Any worthy sponsor would have negotiated beforehand with the government about concessions for spectators. I happened to know that the government wanted spectators, it is in the government’s interest to have spectators. It is in the government’s interest to develop and see how it goes, particularly next year with the arrival of an England touring team to the Caribbean. I am hearing that some of the cricket will be played in Barbados and that would be an aid to boost tourism,” the source stressed.

Describing it as a departure from the procedure that was adopted previously, the source noted that in times gone by an agreement was made among the BCA, CWI and Kensington Oval Management Inc. The source pointed out that this was something CWI and those who negotiated would need to answer for. The official also urged the BCA to make an official statement on the matter.

“We had no influence whatsoever on what was going on. That is something that the Cricket West Indies and those who negotiated with them will have to answer for. I find it rather strange that you are having a cricket series in Barbados and the local body is not involved.

“I think that the BCA ought to make a statement to the public as to why they cannot have access to watch cricket. The government has put an embargo on public meetings, gatherings… The government has made a decision on medical grounds and we have had to accept it. I think the membership needs to ask questions about it. We seem to be too respectable,” the source said.

The BCA has two representatives on the CWI board and it is understood that the Ministry of Sports asked the BCA for historical information to discuss concessions. Besides that, the local governing body for cricket was sidelined.

“As far as I am aware and from my understanding, we were asked for historical information by the Ministry of Sports to discuss with the government what concessions will be granted to Cricket West Indies, what benefits would be given to the Barbados government. At no time was the Barbados Cricket Association invited to participate as a full member of that group,” the source revealed.

Barbados TODAY was reliably informed that a special group of individuals would be allowed to enter Kensington Oval. These are four cricket operations officers, the CEO, ground staff, media and those directly involved in the game such as the players and scorers.

It was also revealed that those who will be in attendance at Kensington Oval for the series are expected to have their PCR tests done tomorrow Saturday, July 17, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. The tests are expected to be done by sports physician Dr Rene Best.

“I understand that there was almost a breakdown in relationships between the local health authorities and the CWI. Hence Dr Rene Best who is well known in sports medicine would be performing the PCR tests tomorrow at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium,” the source said.

When contacted, Minister of Sports Dwight Sutherland said he did not want to comment on the matter tonight and that he would deal with it on Saturday. (morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)