– Ansa McAl pulls plug on T20 sponsorship
THE legality of the East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) has now been brought into question, after Ansa McAl Trading, through its Carib Beer brand, pulled the plug on the committee’s T20 competition.
A close source from Ansa McAl has indicated to Chronicle Sport that the decision steamed from the ongoing battle between the ECCC and the East Coast Cricket Board.(ECCB)
Over the years the ECCC has pretended to be the legal authority for cricket along the East Coast corridor, a perception which never gained the support of majority of clubs and cricket enthusiasts.
According to the source, while the beverage company remains committed to the development of sport, they would not get involved in the wrangling between the ECCC and ECCB.
However, from information obtained, the ECCB is the legally constituted organisation and the only authorised body to administer cricket between Abary and Cummings Lodge, hence members and affiliates of the ECCB are further advised that the ECCC is a nasty attempt to hijack the operations of the ECCB.
Meanwhile, information reaching Chronicle Sport, yesterday afternoon, indicated that the tournament will go ahead as planned, and has now been dubbed the Bargin Supermarket T20.
Set to bowl off today at various venues on the East Coast corridor, the tournament will see the participation of 18 teams.
The competition will be played on a knockout format, with one team drawing the bye from the second round.
The champion team will receive $200 000, runners-up $75 000 and third-placers $50 000. All the cash prizes would be supplemented by trophies, while several individual awards are also at stake.
In the opening round, Better Hope-A will play Mahaica Cavaliers, Strathavon will face Mahaica Sports Club, Golden Achievers will match skills with Bee Hive, Anthony XI will take on Enterprise-A, Better Hope-B and Enterprise-B will clash, Enmore will oppose Ogle, Lusignan-B will come against Helena Sports Club, LBI and Paradise will do battle and Fairfield will face Lusignan-A.
Matches will be played every Sunday, with some venues hosting two matches per day, starting at 09:30hrs and 13:30hrs.
The final is tentatively set for a Sunday in June.
