JCA boss concerned about potential low turnout for ODIs at Sabina Park

Ahead of Wednesday’s opening One-Day International (ODI) between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Dr Donovan Bennett, has expressed concern over the series’ low ticket sales but is hopeful demand will improve in the coming days.

The three-match series sees the return of ODI cricket to Kingston for the first time since 2022, when Windies hosted Ireland. It also brings the Sri Lankans back to the island for the first time since 2013, when they joined West Indies and India in a Tri-nation series.

Bennett told the Jamaica Observer that preparations for the series have been much easier compared to the visit of Australia last summer, when the JCA, with the help of the Jamaican and Indian governments, had to acquire new lights and an electronic scoreboard while also upgrading the teams’ dressing rooms. 

“I think we’re ready to deliver. The only little hiccup we had was that the lights were blown out of focus during the passage of the hurricane but we have refocused those — those were done last week. Otherwise, we’re pretty good,” he said.

Although encouraged by the interest being shown in next week’s three-match T20 series, Bennett says the low demand for ODI tickets remains a concern with the opening match less than a day away.

“I have been pleading and trying to get CWI [Cricket West Indies] to get this thing going a little bit quicker, but the sales have gone up a little bit late,” he said. “I would hope that over the next two days there will be a rush, because I am not satisfied with what I am hearing re the 50 over games.”

Bennett is calling on local fans to fill the stands to help ensure Jamaica remains a regular host of international cricket series.

“The public needs to understand that the JCA has a part to play in bringing international cricket to Jamaica but the cricketing public also has a part to play because if we don’t get crowds then we don’t get matches — so they need to turn out,” he said.

“And especially next year, when we have both India and England coming to the Caribbean, they need to strengthen our hands by coming out and giving us good support.”

Over the past two years Sabina Park has hosted Windies international series against South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia.

Both the Windies and Sri Lanka are currently in Kingston and are scheduled to have their final training sessions today before Wednesday’s 9:30 a.m. start.

(Jamaica Observer)