Parasnath calls on WICB to de-centralise first class cricket in the region

Sep 19, 2014 Sports

---

Brij Parasnath, Editor of the Cricket Records Magazine is calling on the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Directors and officials to de-centralise West Indies First Class cricket so as to boost the players and help to generate greater interest in regional 4-Day competition.
Parasnath, who is a seasoned Commentator/Analyst; made the call in his editorial of the Cricket Records 2014 Edition as he looks ahead to the professionalization of the First Class game in the region.
He pointed out that former WICB’s officials made it a policy that all Regional First Class matches must be played at the Test venues of the respective territories. Parasnath stressed that: “while I could understand and appreciate the rationale behind such a decision, it does put a major constraint on the regional Cricket Boards, especially in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana; from organizing matches where they would be able to attract much bigger crowds.”
“While is important for the players to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of playing on the surfaces that will be used for Test cricket and other international fixtures, it is also of greater value for them to be able to adapt their style and showcase their talent and temperament on other surfaces against quality players. Playing on other surfaces will definitely enhance their preparation and readiness to take on top quality opposition under any conditions,” he added.
Parasnath said: “playing matches at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre and the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial ground, UWI St Augustine Campus in Trinidad or at the Albion Sports Complex will attract thousands of spectators to these venues which will serve as a two-fold purpose.”
“Both the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officials will be able to collect gate receipts which will help to offset costs for preparation of teams and hosting the various First Class matches or other lower age-group competitions.”
He noted that: “all the players will be energized and motivated to impress and improve the overall performances like those players we have witnessed in the past, prior to the new regulations that has served to stunt the growth and development of the regional First Class players.”
He emphasized that: “playing in front of empty stands at the Queen’s Park Oval or at the Guyana National Stadium will never be good for the players who are eager and determined to put on a grand showing. The cynics will claim that players ought to be prepared to perform at their best at all times. But that is only wishful thinking. Players must be challenged and motivated.”
He mentioned that: “stalwarts like Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Christopher Gayle or even legends like Sir Garry Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards and many others produced some of their best innings at certain venues where thousands of ardent fans were watching and shouting their support.”
He said that: “Lara played infront of 4,000 or more people at Guaracara Park in 1989 and he registered his maiden First Class hundred against Guyana and added three other First Class hundreds at the same venue and infront of much bigger crowds on each occasion.”
“ Former Test players Philip Simmons, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Daren Ganga as well as current stalwart Shivnarine Chanderpaul enjoyed similar experiences at Guaracara Park where they also recorded their maiden First Class hundreds. Thousands of vociferous adoring fans who shouted words of encouragement and showed their genuine appreciation have important roles to play in all the players’ careers.”
“The Albion Sports Complex had always attracted thousands of diehard cricket fans for First Class and Limited-Overs matches. Real cricket lover’s indisputable support contributed significantly to the players’ overall growth and development into top class performers.”
“Albion SC has always been in top class shape while Petrotrin officials were prepared to upgrade the facilities at Guaracara Park but shelved those developmental plans after the decision by WICB officials to play all First Class matches at the QP Oval,” added by the Editor.
Parasnath hopes that the WICB officials would act urgently to rectify a major blunder in the previous policy position in regards to the staging of the 4-Day competition. “With an extended season and double round of matches, the new WICB officials; need to urgently review that policy and allow the local Board officials to have an input in decentralizing First Class again. While majority of the matches should be carded for the Test venues, some should be staged at other venues where the countryside folks will be only too happy to patronize in the large numbers.”
“First Class cricket must be de-centralised and marketed so to once again attract local fans that usually provide the atmosphere and encouragement that boost the morale and spirit of the players,” said Parasnath, who is the Editor of the annual publication that chronicles regional and international cricket records.

---

---