Oval Test in danger?

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s recent rift with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has left uncertainty surrounding the staging of the third Test match against India at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The Indians are carded to tour the West Indies from July 14 to August 11 for a series of four Tests with the third scheduled for T&T from July 28 to August 1.

However, officials at the WICB believe that Dr Rowley’s recent calls for the dissolution of the organistion, could signal that his government will not be supporting the Test being played in Trinidad.

Following the Caricom Heads of government meeting in Belize three weeks ago, Dr Rowley noted the deterioration of West Indies cricket and its lack of proper management. He said this was discussed by Caricom Heads and based on these discussions, it was felt that there was nothing more to gain from talks with the WICB.

WICB officials say that this statement is certain to be on Dr Rowley’s mind when the local T&T Cricket Board attempts to hold negotiations with the government to stage the Test.