Protocols can make cricket safe

PRESIDENT of the Central Sports Cricket Club Richard Ramkissoon is quietly optimistic that the imminent lifting of current covid19 restrictions will allow for the start of local cricket.

The game was halted last March when the pandemic started taking its toll locally and regionally and forced the curtailment of the 2020 cricket season.

At the time Central Sports, based in Felicity Chaguanas were poised to make a serious challenge to claim the National League Premier One League title, which represented club supremacy.

According to a TT Cricket Board (TTCB) media release, Ramkissoon is hoping that a relaxation of the covid19 regulations by the Ministry of Health will allow a shortened season, which is planned by the TTCB. The board wants to stage a two-round 50-overs competition and a T20 tournament for the top clubs.

Ramkissoon, who is also a member of the National League Committee, headed by chairman Parasram Singh is confident that adequate protocols can be put in place to allow for the safe conduct of the shortened season.

The TTCB was blanked by the Ministry of Health to have a zonal tournament in January in preparation for the Cricket West Indies Super50 tournament. The zonal tournament was planned to help the TT Red Force cricketers prepare for the Super50 tournament, starting next month.

Tennis and golf are two sports that have been allowed to resume during the pandemic.

Ramkissoon said Central Sports cricketers have been placed on alert to start preparations with high hopes that they pick up where they left off last year when they were making a strong end run for the club crown.

Recently, Ramkissoon paid a visit to the club’s Invaders Ground on Maha Sabha Street in an effort to get a first-hand look at the facility to identify what needs to be done to get the playing field ready and spruce up the pavilion and dressing rooms.

He was accompanied by MP for Chaguanas West Dinesh Rambally, and councillor for Felicity/Endeavour Wendy Francis who have both offered their help to provide a safe and proper venue for the cricketers.

Invaders ground is also equipped with a jogging track, and floodlights and is also used to stage religious and cultural events involving the village and the national community.

Rambally, a keen cricket enthusiast, also lent a hand with the roller as members of his team along with Ramkissoon took a turn to assist the groundsmen.