St. Kitts wants CPL franchise

Basseterre (St.Kitts), Sep 23 (IANS/CMC) St. Kitts and Nevis want to be a franchise holder for the 2014 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The government is currently installing floodlights at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium with the hope of creating the possibility for the island to host a franchise, reports CMC.

Earlier this year, the Minister of Sports Glen Phillip, wrote a letter of intent to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) stating that St. Kitts wants to have a franchise.

"That is the main focus of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. We understand from the CPL organisers that they are supposed to be an expansion of two franchises for 2014," said Vernon Springer, the senior sports officer in the Ministry of Sports.

He believes that with the current lighting project, it would put the federation in a good position to do so.

"St. Kitts and Nevis are putting itself in a good position to do so. There have already been enquiries about a franchise coming to St. Kitts and Nevis, even when the 2013 tournament was taking place.

"High on the agenda will be the execution of the lights. So when the folks come around from the West Indies Cricket Board and the CPL and they see what we have to offer, then we will take it to the next level."

The WICB signed an agreement with the CPL with the aim of further developing and strengthening West Indies cricket by expanding the global fan base as well as increasing the number of West Indian cricketers under regional retainer contracts, and showcasing the talent and beauty of the Caribbean internationally.

The inaugural tournament was won by the Jamaica's Tallawahs defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final.

--IANS/CMC

sr/dg