While optimistic of more international cricket returning to the island, recently elected president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Dr Donovan Bennett says football will continue to be hosted at Sabina Park because it brings in revenue.
The West Indies senior men’s team returned to Jamaican soil for the first time since 2022 when they beat visitors South Africa 3-0 in their Twenty20 series ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States.
Regarded as a cricketing mecca, Sabina Park over the last two years has hosted a number of football events, including the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League and Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association football competitions.
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has also utilised the venue, hosting international matches involving the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz.
Due to that fact and the absence of international cricket as well as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20, some have referred to Sabina Park as mainly a football stadium these.
But Bennett, who began his presidency in April, told the Jamaica Observer that he has no issues with football being played at Sabina Park and will continue to welcome matches in the future.
“I don’t think we can do without the football because we have to keep the park and to keep the park, we have to make an income. The park is partially owned by the JCA and Kingston Cricket Club, so we’re cognisant of the fact that the park has to be maintained so that is why we have football being played there. There’s just no option at this time,” he said.
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In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
We who.
KCC?
In reply to Chrissy Be reminded that the lands where George Headley Stand and southern boundaries of the ground were acquired by the Manley Government of 1972 using eminent domain doctrine. There were houses there before.
In reply to alfa1975
People forget that..I did not agree at the displacement by MWM...He should have found someplace
and build a wonderful International cricket ground....KCC at that location was too small....and
not very friendly or convenient..
People still have to Park elsewhere.
Of course a lot of folks took me to task.
His father NWM built a stadium despite the opposition from mainly KCC people as Sabina was the place
for all big sports and civic activities..Boys Champs, Manning Cup High School football ,International Football and even parade for
Royal visits.
Never did like the place and even now with the huge North Stand more suitable for MCG, the ground no longer has that
ambience of the mountains in the background which was its most attractive feature.
But is so it go. It is still unclear who owns what and who is responsible for the all the runnings at the venue.
Does the playing area and the Members pavilion belong totally to KCC and the stands to the JCA. ?
And who is responsible for the maintenance of the facility,stands,pitches,field and all ?
Either the JCa or KCC can stop each other from staging events. Who owns what and who is getting the revenue ?
The biggest largest populated country has the smallest venue and is now comparable to St. Kitts
in size.
Building on private owned property was never a good idea especially as they discriminated against women back in the day.
I caught flack from a socialist regime for pointing that out too.
Ah well. There are no such questions regarding the Stadium ,which by the way should be the Principal place for the people and
football.
