Starved fans excited to return to cricket

FANS starved for live sports were excited to watch the third One Day International between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair, on Wednesday.

It was not a capacity crowd at the venue, but thousands showed up. For two years people were not allowed to attend sporting events because of the covid19 pandemic. In early 2022, fans were allowed to return.

George Subeeksingh, Douglas Khusial and their friends spoke to Newsday during a rain delay.

Subeeksingh, who is from Tunapuna, said, “(It feels) really, really nice. It is good to come out.”

Subeeksingh said he has been watching cricket on tv over the past two years but is eager for the start of the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League at the end of August.

“The CPL we watched it on tv...but this year we intend to come and see the two games in the oval in the night.”

Trinbago Knight Riders will play four matches in Trinidad during the 2022 Hero CPL – two at the Queen’s Park Oval and two at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Subeeksingh is also looking forward to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Khusial, a resident of Tacarigua, said, “Very exciting (to be back out). A lot of people have been down and out and cricket is part of our culture. We need to get the people going and back out.”

Khusial is also anticipating the 2022 Hero CPL.

“We are looking forward to the CPL coming up. I think a lot of people will come out...people need to get out and be more relaxed.”

Khusial was glad the first two matches in the three-match ODI series between West Indies and India were competitive.

“I think the West Indies team performing very well. To see 600 runs between both sides scored in one day that is excellent.”

More than 600 runs were scored in the first ODI on Friday and that trend continued in the second ODI on Sunday.

Khusial said he will not be able to attend the T20 match on Friday between West Indies and India at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, but wished the team “all the best.”

Their friend, who wished to remain anonymous, attended every match in the series.

“I am very happy and very excited. As I told you this is my third day out straight,” he said.

The group of friends also made use of the rain delay.

“It is a long time we have not played All Fours in the oval.”