Washouts cost W Indies financially
Friday, April 30 2004
Unseasonal heavy rain throughout the Caribbean which has disrupted the one day series against England, has potentially left the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) facing heavy losses financially as a result. It doesn't get better with an unfavorable forcast for the double header in St Lucia, leaving the matches in doubt. Three of the four matches have already been abandoned due to rain.
With full refunds that are outstanding with everyone who has purchased tickets for the last three matches total to be over US$1m, and if both matches in St Lucia don't go ahead, the WICB can expect to face more loses. Although the WICB are partially covered by insurance, however, with the 2007 WC to be scheluded at the same time of year, premiums will increase dramatically.
Adding to this problem is that the paying spectators account for the majority of the WICB's income, where as in most region's television income out weight those of gate receipts. Chief Commercial Officer Darren Millen summed up the situation: "We can never compete for money with the likes of England who negotiated a television deal of £147m last time. We don't know what is to happen yet but this is a huge missed opportunity because England is easily our biggest tour.
The ICC is expected to hold a meeting to discuss whether to bring the 2007 World Cup forward by a few weeks in light of the heavy rain.
Posted by Craig
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