Warner Park to host CPL semis, final

Basseterre (St. Kitts), March 12 (IANS/CMC) Warner Park here has been chosen as the venue for the final of the Caribbean Premier league (CPL).

Warner Park, originally rebuilt for the 2007 World Cup, will also host semi-finals and six group-phase matches of the second edition of CPL which begins in July. The venue has gone 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. 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," said St. Kitts and Nevis sports minister Glen Phillip.

Warner Park can host 8,000 people 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.

"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," CPL chief operations officer Pete Russell said.

"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 CPL will be played in July and August. Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the St. Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.

--IANS/CMC

ss/vm