ICC T/20 World Cup 2024

EDITOR: The ICC World Cup 2024 is in full swing. West Indies we know won its first game, although there were some scary moments. However, they were able to pull through and won in the end. It is indeed a good start for them. Let us hope that they would improve on their weaknesses, while at the same time maintaining their strength. It is the hope of the vast supporters that West Indies win the Championship and once again be a champion.

In analyzing the West Indies and its performances, there are some important areas that need to be improved upon. Most of the batsmen have difficulties in effectively dealing with spin and slow bowling on the whole. The mentality of most batsmen is to hit the ball over the boundary and also to score boundaries. Whenever they encounter good top spinners and slow bowlers they are unable of effectively turning the strike over by getting the ones and two. There are far too many dot balls.

Many of the bowlers are doing considerably well, backed by a good captain. However, they have to work on their consistency when it comes to good tight bowling. I am sure there are many persons who regularly comment on their performances. We are not short of criticism and education on the game. This can be both good and bad.
St.Vincent will, for the first time, host World Cup Cricket. As Vincentians we ought to be proud of that achievement. I know there are those for one reason or another, mainly political, who are critical with the money spent. But let us face it, the hosting of these matches has an economic good on all aspect. The money spent on the upgrading should not be seen as just for the five matches, but rather for the long term. We now have a better facility with digital score board, lights, and better stands.

After these matches, other cricket matches and games can be held at nights under the flood lights. This can aid in making monies for the upkeep of the field and also serve in families and friends be more together in attending night games. This can also bring in more revenue for the hotels, guest houses, taxis and vendors just to name a few, since regional cricket games and other sporting activities can be held at nights and so attract more persons. The upgrading of the facilities can be a big tourism booster and can be seen as sports tourism.

It is our hope that West Indies would get their acts together and will play the games hard. Cricket, and sports in general is heavily dependent on the mind. Let us hope that our guys would be mentally strong and also would think the game and play accordingly and so become victorious. Let us rally round the West Indies.

Kennard King