KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- A deal to install lights at Jamaica’s Sabina Park has collapsed on the eve of the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL), cricket authorities here have confirmed.
However Jamaica would not lose its status as a franchise holder in the CPL T20 tournament scheduled to start next month. “It’s a disappointment (not being able to host night matches) because it would add some value and excitement too, playing under the lights,” Jamaica Cricket Association President Lyndel Wright told the Observer.
“Still we are looking to get excellent cricket for our people in Jamaica”. Wright had announced a partnership to install lights at Sabina Park between Sabina Park Holdings, the entity which manages the venue and its facilities and Consolidated Energy Partners (CEP), the intended financier and contractor for the project.
In making the announcement three weeks ago the president had given the assurance that the lights would be implemented in time for Jamaica’s staging of CPL matches in August.
“It can’t be a failure because we (the JCA) have been working hard along with Sabina Park Holdings,” said Wright.
“What would be a failure is if the CPL wasn’t coming to Sabina”.
Wright, who recently announced he will not seek a second term as JCA president later this year, believes lights will be eventually installed at Sabina Park, one of the leading cricket venues in the Caribbean.
“We are still pursuing the aspect of lights though we won’t have any for this CPL,” said the former national leg-spinning all-rounder.
No official reason has been given for the agreement falling apart however the JCA president says a press release with details will be issued in the coming days.
