WICB Confirms Carib Beer Cup Cuts

It's official. The 2005/2006 Carib Beer Cricket Series has been cut in half because of the West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) financial problems.

The WICB confirmed the worst-kept secret in a statement issued late Thursday. "[T]he number of rounds for this year only will be reduced from ten (10) to five (5)," the board said, adding that the tournament will start on November 25, two weeks after the original start date.

The WICB said the series will climax with the Carib Beer Challenge in a semi final playoff among the top four teams and a final between the two victorious teams.

"While long term benefits are expected from recent ICC initiatives, the impact of the Future Tours Programme has resulted in a reduction of revenue to the WICB of some US$8 million over the past four years. This has severely impacted on the Board?s finances making it necessary for the Board to restructure its operations and to undertake a comprehensive review of current expenditures," the WICB said.

Also currently under way is an examination of all operational costs under a committee headed by Mr. Enoch Lewis, WICB Director. The results of this committee's work will announced at a later date, the board said.

The cost-cutting measures are designed to have a positive impact on WICB's cash flow.