Upbeat opening match assessment from local World Cup organising head

Kensington Oval’s opening match of the T20 Cricket World Cup, the first of nine which to be hosted here, has been given a passing grade by the head of the National Organising Committee Ambassador Noel Lynch.

“Given the circumstances, I would rate last night’s event an 8 out of 10,” the former tourism minister, sport administrator and marketing executive told Barbados TODAY on Monday. He touted meticulous planning and execution as key contributors to the Oval hosting a well-received cricket event tailored for a global audience .

“The good thing was that the event was held at 8:30 p.m.,” he said. “This timing was specifically chosen to cater to the viewer audience in Asia, and it worked out well.”

Ambassador Lynch said the park-and-ride system operated smoothly due to the relatively low numbers of locals attending the event.

“The people who used the park-and-ride had good reviews,” he said. “There was no significant pressure on the system, and those who did use it found it convenient.”

The organising committee chairman also praised the logistics for taxi accommodations. Across the Holborn Circle from the Oval, the Central Purchasing Department “worked well” accommodating taxis, he said. “Although most attendees were visitors, we didn’t face any issues with transportation. Everything was handled smoothly.”

Security was another area where the event excelled for Ambassador Lynch who confirmed there were no security breaches or issues. He said:  “Volunteers effectively guided attendees, ensuring everything ran seamlessly.”

The attendance for the opening Namibia-Oman match was between five and six thousand people in the 18 000-seat stadium.

“Things can always be better, but it was a solid start,” he said.

When asked about the performance of the Fun Zones, the satellite viewing areas set up around the island, Ambassador Lynch explained their purpose and initial reception.

“Not everyone can fit in the stadium for the major matches,” he said. “So, we established Fun Zones, distinct from the ICC’s Fan Zones, to provide an alternative space where people can enjoy the game.”

“We wanted to give our traditional vendors a chance to make some money during the World Cup. For visitors who might not want to go into the stadium but still want the experience, the Fun Zones offer a great alternative.”

Though the numbers were not as high as some might expect early on, the NOC chairman was optimistic about the potential of the Fun Zones.

“It’s still early, but they worked well,” he said. “We expect attendance to grow as the events continue.”

Ambassador Lynch expressed confidence that the upcoming matches would build on the success of the initial event.

“Things should go even better tomorrow,” he said. “We learned a lot from last night, and we’re looking forward to an even smoother experience for the big matches ahead.”