St. Kitts and Nevis Misses Out on Hosting 2024 T20 World Cup Matches
St. Kitts Cricket Association Speaks Out
The St. Kitts Cricket Association (SKCA) has expressed disappointment and frustration over not being consulted by the government, specifically the Ministry of Sports, on not tendering a bid to host some of the matches in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
In an interview with SKCA executive members, President Dennis Phillip said the association had attempted to submit a bid, even making last-ditch efforts when it appeared a bid was not going to be made, but they did not receive the backing of the Ministry of Sports.
Decision Beyond SKCA’s Control
According to Phillip, the decision on why St. Kitts and Nevis was not selected as a venue is a matter beyond the control of the SKCA. The decision was made by the Ministry of Sports and the government as a whole.
“We’re really sorry that something was not done or an investment was not made to be able to facilitate the upcoming 2024 World Cup,” Phillip said.
Missed Opportunity
Phillip suggested that not hosting any of the T20 games was a missed opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis, not just for cricket, but also for the economic spinoffs that would have been generated from hosting the tournament.
“The World Cup is not just a sport. It is also a tourism spinoff and tourism is one of our biggest industries outside of Citizenship by Investment…sports tourism can actually play a part that can keep us going…and the economy floating when the actual (cruise) tourism is off,” he explained.
The SKCA president also made the point that this opportunity comes once every 16 years, therefore, their next chance may be in 2039.
SKCA Executive Members Express Disappointment
Vice President Carlene Delaney and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Steve Saunders also expressed disappointment over the decision.
Delaney said, “Personally, for me, I was anticipating that we would be hosting after having a World Cup in 2007. I know we are prepared. We have a stadium and that shouldn’t have hindered us. Unfortunately, a bid wasn’t done to my knowledge and we’re disappointed.”
Saunders argued that considering the track record of St. Kitts and Nevis to host international cricket events, the venue was best placed to host matches. “I thought that we were well-placed to host the 2024 World Cup. We are very, very disappointed simply because again being a Kittitian, the economics spill-offs that this tournament brings is tremendous,” Saunders said.
Other Caribbean Countries Hosting Games
Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the Caribbean countries hosting games in the T20 World Cup, which is slated from June 4-30. A leg of the tournament will be held in the United States for the first time. St. Kitts and Nevis is among three Caribbean countries not hosting the tournament; the others being Jamaica and Grenada.
Conclusion
The SKCA’s disappointment is understandable, given the potential economic benefits that hosting the tournament could have brought to the country. The decision to not host any matches is a missed opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis, and the country will have to wait until 2039 for another chance to host the tournament.
FAQs
Q: Why was St. Kitts and Nevis not selected as a venue for the 2024 T20 World Cup?
A: The decision was made by the Ministry of Sports and the government as a whole, and was not within the control of the St. Kitts Cricket Association.
Q: Did the SKCA attempt to submit a bid to host the tournament?
A: Yes, the SKCA attempted to submit a bid, but did not receive the backing of the Ministry of Sports.
Q: Why is hosting the tournament important for St. Kitts and Nevis?
A: Hosting the tournament would have generated significant economic spinoffs, including tourism revenue and job creation.