… Warner Park to host semifinals and finals

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Lycamobile, Europe’s largest Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), has given up its ownership of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steele franchise, four months before the start of the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL). CPL says it has reached a mutual agreement with Lycamobile for the global cell phone carrier to relinquish ownership of the franchise with immediate effect.
Officials making the announcement say the joint decision has been taken ahead of the next round of franchise sales.
“Our goal is to create long-term meaningful partnerships with franchise owners that benefit cricket in the region,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Caribbean Premier League.
“We part on good terms and we are both keen to establish other ways in which we can work together in the future to help develop the CPL brand globally.”
Lycamobile, which boasts a market share of 30 million customers across 17 countries, purchased Red Steele franchise just days before the start of the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) T20 Tournament last year.
CPL says it is in advanced discussions to secure a new owner for The Red Steel, who have already attracted significant interest from a number of potential owners.
The franchise rights for the remaining teams – Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks – will go up for sale shortly.
Meanwhile, Warner Park in St Kitts has been chosen as the venue to host this year’s final, officials have announced.
Warner Park, originally rebuilt for the 2007 ICC World Cup, will also host semi-finals and six group-phase matches in the CPL second edition which begins in July.
The venue has undergone major renovation including state-of-the-art lighting facilities.
“We are delighted to welcome some of the biggest stars in cricket to Warner Park during this year’s competition,” declared St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Sports, Glen Phillip.
“Carnival cricket has always been synonymous with the Caribbean, and we’re looking forward to showing an audience of millions around the globe that St Kitts and Nevis can host a party like no other.”
Warner Park boasts an 8 000 capacity ground and officials are planning a week of celebration and entertainment in support of the final.
Last year, over 250 000 spectators attended matches in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia.
A global TV audience (36 million) was entertained by the skills of international stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan.
“We cannot wait to bring the big-hitting excitement of the CPL to Warner Park. By awarding these prestigious matches to St Kitts and Nevis we are demonstrating that the whole of the Caribbean can celebrate and enjoy the successes of this global tournament,” said Pete Russell, Chief Operations Officer of CPL.
“The renovation of the stadium was a key factor in the bid succeeding; the new facilities are second to none, and we’re keen to provide show-stopping cricket to match.”
The Limacol CPL will be played in July and August this year and will see Jamaica Tallawahs defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.