ST JOHN'S, ANTIGUA, CMC
DESPITE MIXED reactions to his US$28 million initiative to help revive cricket in the Caribbean, Texan investor Allen Stanford is pleased with the response.
The American, who has major investments in Antigua and other Caribbean Islands, is sponsoring a Twenty/20 tournament involving 18 countries next August-/September with the winning team to pocket US$1 million.
Following this, a Super Stars team will be selected to play two matches against two international sides, with US$5 million up for grabs.
"We are just thrilled with the response from around the world to this announcement, it is exactly what we hoped for," Stanford said Monday after a meeting of his board of directors who comprise 14 West Indian cricket legends.
"We wanted everyone to stand up and take notice of cricket in the West Indies and what everyone involved in this tournament is trying to achieve. That is exactly what has happened. I have received dozens of e-mails and calls from all over the world from people who are very excited about the tournament and the Super Star Team concept."
Stanford's announcement last week Monday reached news-papers and Internet sites throughout the Caribbean and as far away as the UK, Australia and India and while there has been some positive reaction, others have criticised the initiative.
More than US$5 million has been budgeted for the pre-paration of the participating teams.
"We are extremely grateful to Mr Allen Stanford for this once-in-a-lifetime initiative," said Benjamin Hughes, the president of the Anguilla Cricket Association.
"We are thrilled with Mr. Stanford's kindness as we are still struggling with repairs from Hurricane Ivan and these funds will help us replace much needed equipment," said Cayman Islands National Cricket coach Theo Cuffy.
The countries involved are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Combined Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines & Trinidad & Tobago.
All have confirmed their participation.
The organisers of the tournament say the next step in the process is providing the funds to the countries.
Each of the legends on the board has 'adopted' a country and will be visiting with those boards to help them finalise their plans.
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