[UPDATED] Rowley open to discussions to host CPL

THE Prime Minister said Government is open to having discussions to host the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in Trinidad, but covid19 safety measures must be put in place before that becomes a possibility.

Rumours have been circulating for the past few days that the entire CPL will be held in TT to limit excess travelling for players and fans.

At a media briefing on Saturday, Dr Rowley said, “We don’t have a proper handle yet, but we are cautiously optimistic, if the CPL authorities would like to host the tournament in Trinidad. We have heard from unofficial sources that there are conversations that a tournament, all components of it, can be held in Trinidad. If that comes to us from the official sources we have cleared the pathway for that conversation and we would facilitate as we are able to under the confines of the guidance of the CMO (Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram).”

Rowley said all safety measures will have to be examined. The CPL is still scheduled to bowl off on August 19.

The organisers are considering are number of special arrangements because of covid19 to make the CPL a safe tournament. Among the options are allowing less fans into the venues, using limited venues and only permitting regional players to participate.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) manager Colin Borde was glad to hear the news that discussions are being held between TT and the CPL. "It's great that all entities are open to discussions on the way forward for CPL to possibly be held in TT. We are confident that once the medical guidance is provided and all the other variables that clear the pathway for the tournament to be held, that the fans from across the region as well as at home will be thrilled."

Borde said it is always special to play at home at Queen's Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy. "Regarding TKR, we would of course welcome playing at home...we have the facilities with two international grounds available, hotel facilities, we have the infrastructure and we have the capabilities. But as the Government has stated – safety first, health first."

TKR left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein echoed Borde's sentiments. "It could be done, but again it is going to be a tough task I would say...but I think once they sort out everything in terms of sanitisation and stuff like that (the tournament could take place). You have to make sure a lot of measures are put in place for it to actually happen and run smoothly and safely and without people starting to get back the virus."

TKR normally play in front of capacity crowds. On playing with little or no fans, Hosein said, "It would always be a different sort of atmosphere when you comparing it to a full house. We Caribbean people, we love T20 and we make it into a party as well so it would always be different, but having said that I think the few that come out will still give that positive energy. It may not be full, but I think the few that come out will still try their best to make sure that their voices are heard."

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THE Prime Minister said Government is open to having discussions to host the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in Trinidad, but covid19 safety measures must be put in place before that becomes a possibility.

Rumours have been circulating for the past few days that the entire CPL will be held in TT to limit the number of travelling for players and fans.

At a media briefing, on Saturday, Dr Rowley said, “We don’t have a proper handle yet, but we are cautiously optimistic, if the CPL authorities would like to host the tournament in Trinidad. We have heard from unofficial sources that there are conversations that a tournament, all components of it, can be held in Trinidad. If that comes to us from the official sources we have cleared the pathway for that conversation and we would facilitate as we are able to under the confines of the guidance of the CMO (Chief Medical Officer).”

Rowley said all the safety measures will have to be examined. The organisers are hopeful the tournament would bowl off on August 19.