PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – President of Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board Azim Bassarath and Minister of Sport Anil Roberts seem to give proof that success can breed togetherness.
The two appeared to be at war over the last few weeks with Roberts demanding an apology from Bassarath over comments the T&TCB President made concerning the decision to allow Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to play for their IPL clubs at last year’s Champions League Twenty20 in India.
But the two seemed to agree to work together for the betterment of the sport, when the two welcomed the successful national team home from their conquest in the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament, which ended on Sunday in Barbados.
Bassarath said he would relish an immediate meeting with the minister and ministry officials to settle their difference.
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Sport for their support over the years,” he said. “Without the Ministry and the Sport Company (SPORTT) we cannot survive and we cannot do the kind of work we want to do.
“We are hoping to settle this and get the ministry’s support, so that we can take cricket forward.
“If this is done, T&T will benefit and the sport-loving public will benefit…I make this call for the sake of cricket and for the sake of the young people of this country…We want to meet and settle this issue once and for all.”
Roberts agreed to meet with Bassarath and T&T officials and committed the Government to helping ensure that Pollard and Bravo will represent T&T at this year’s CLT20.
He also announced that both national all-rounders will be added to Elite Athlete Funding Programme and presented members of the winning side with cheques of over US $4,000 for their success.
“We will work out [the difference,” said Roberts. “Don’t waste time. [Tuesday] morning 8:30 – my office – we will work it out…that done, let’s get down to serious matters now.
“Now, we must win the CLT20. This time there will be no miscommunication. All those who have contracts (with other teams), find yourself in my office and we will begin negotiating. You will play for T&T.”
He said: “All these boys bleed for this country…You cannot tell a citizen to give up a million dollars and play for free. These are professionals…They have their family to see about. This is their profession. They are full patriots and we must respect that.”
