No Cricket Coverage from Bangladesh
Tue, Nov 26, '02
Get ready for another silent Christmas. Word is that the
Barbados-based Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) will not be
relaying radio and television coverage of the Tests and One Day
Internationals between the West Indies and Bangladesh.
The reason is that the response from the broadcasting stations
around the Caribbean has been poor.? The larger stations, which
bear the greater share of the costs, have expressed disinterest.?
The smaller ones, which have indicated their interest, just cannot
afford the cost of relaying coverage from that part of the
world.
For all the negativity that has surrounded our team in recent
years, it is quite disappointing to learn, that in the dawn of a
revival of spirits among our people, the major broadcasters do not
see it fit, to keep us fully abreast with our team's progress.
The 'blackout' of the tour of Sri Lanka, now positively seems to
have been an indication, that the element we first thought would be
possible pillars for the resurgence of the sport in the region, are
merely detachable structures; which are unceremoniously
disassembled when needed most.
One would have expected that with the World Cup a little over 10
weeks away, these entities would have been seeking to heighten
public interest, with a view to encouraging positive responses from
potential sponsors. Such is not the case.
West Indians with computer access will once again be subjected to
feverish surfing of the internet for scores and updates; while
those without, will spend restless nights, experiencing the full
range of emotions, before being apprised of the facts.
Are we to see this as a vote of 'no confidence' by these
broadcasters? What message is being sent to our management and
players who now seem to be working on the same page? This is an
ill-timed development, distastefully influenced by commercial
interests; without regard for the very thing that keeps them 'up
and running'; the consumers.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is certainly not free from
criticism in this damning affair. Surely, using the Sri Lanka
experience as a guide, it should have had the foresight to figure
such eventualities into its cricket development budget; or wherever
else it could be facilitated.
In this present crisis, it would certainly have been reassuring to
the masses- and quite possibly the 'reluctant' broadcasters- that
our future was in good hands; if it(the board) had been able to
step forward and make a significant contribution to such a cause,
in the interest of the development of our passion.
Is this the administration charged with the responsibility of
hosting cricket's greatest spectacle, after South Africa? How can
it encourage governments and the business sector to invest in the
largest income-generating sporting endeavour in our history, when
it shows no urgency in investing in the smallest? One gets the
distinct impression that the wrong areas? are being frequented for
advice.
Recently, a reputable cricket journalist expressed to me, his
disappointment at the paucity, and in most cases, non-existence of
historical cricketing videos, especially; at the regional airports.
That observation, as simple as it sounds, is a reflection of sorts;
of the lack of total commitment to fluid continuity.
Governments are also advised to play their part, because the one
fabric that undoubtedly has ensured our 'oneness'; will soon
unravel because of neglect.
The bottom line, however, is that the Caribbean cricketing public
will be denied the opportunity to follow the progress of the games
and to see their stars in action.
They should collectively let their voices be heard and remind those
who operate and manage the stations in their territory about their
social obligation.
* Nigel McKenzie pens columns on cricket for Guyana's Kaieteur
News.