Bassarath appeals for sponsors
TTCB boss looks to revive the sport
NEWLY re-elected president of the TT Cricket Board (TTCB) Azim Bassarath is appealing for past and new sponsors to get on board and save TT cricket. Bassarath, who beat challenger Dinanath Ramnarine for the top cricket post on Wednesday, made the appeal after winning his fourth term in office.
Speaking at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, the local cricket boss said, "Corporate sponsors and the business community, who are friends of the game, must return and make their contributions to national development through the investment in our youth cricketers. Each one of us must act responsibly and provide the testimony that is required for the success of the campaign to rescue this sport. It has suffered greatly as a victim of collateral damage of the economic decline for the past few years."
Bassarath said gaining sponsorship has been challenging and allegations of misuse of funds over the last six months may have tarnished the board.
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TTCB boss looks to revive the sport
So CWI and T&TCB killed the sport of cricket during their tenure.
Bassarath: A leg spinner never out me
Newly elected president of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath in his victory speech after for a fourth successive term said he will look at constitutional reform and also will open his hands to those oppose to him, in the interest of developing the sport which has taken a lash over the last couple of years.
Bassarath defeated former West Indies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine 31-13 at the board's election on Tuesday night in Couva.
Bassarath said: "During my playing days a leg-spinner never got me out and it didn't happen even today." In an obvious reference to Ramnarine, Bassarath provoked laughter when he added: "By the time to leg-spinners came on the fast bowlers would have already cleaned me up."
On a serious note though he said that during the next period (three-years) he will have a look at the constitution: "We will continue to look at the board's constitution as we move forward because we want to have a structure in place that leads to greater stability and development."
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Ramnarine comments
Ramnarine, a resident of Cascade, said he also got a victory despite losing the presidency: "I thought it was a victory for us because losing the presidency battle is just one small thing. That is just one part of the big picture. During this process, we were able to bring to the fore the poor governance structure of the TTCB and we are able to bring to the public domain, the issues that have really been hurting the development of cricket in this country."
Asked if he was pleased with the election process, Ramnarine said: "I was not because there are many issues that we objected to. Imagine East Zone Council came here to vote but they have not held an election in the Zone for two and a half years. When you look at the board's constitution they were not supposed to vote on the night.
"When you have a situation with all the Affiliates, as they have not been meeting the requirements to continue as affiliates but they were all here to vote."
Former West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president said he will continue the fight for good governance. "People must understand that this is not about power but is all about looking to put things right. Look, I came from nothing and cricket has given me everything. I don't need anything from cricket again but I feel it is my duty to protect the sport that has given me so much."
In reply to sgtdjones
Newly elected president of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath
who wrote that?