January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Commentary
Butler: There is no reason why we can’t move towards Test status
With the game soaring to new heights I decided to talk to the man ultimately responsible for sport in the island, the Minister of Community Affairs and Sports Dale Butler.
Q: Prior to Bermuda leaving to play in the ICC Trophy Tournament in Ireland you confidently predicted the team would qualify. What were the reasons behind such confidence?
A: I was quite confident. In my speech to the cricket team at City Hall, before they left, I told them, “You are going over there to win and, if you don’t have that goal you won’t win”.
I knew they would do well because the way they greeted me on their arrival, their handshakes and greetings made it obvious, that they believed in themselves.
It starts at the top. If the Minister doesn’t show belief in the team then what kind of message is being communicated to them?
The key is self-belief, which is something I try to encourage. We must as a country learn to support our team until the last man is bowled out. They must hear and feel this support.
Q: Did Bermuda’s qualification for the World Cup help to soften the blow of Bermuda not being selected to host a World Cup match?
A: Let me say we were very disappointed being turned down after all of the preparations we made.
The ICC marvelled at the first class presentation Bermuda provided. We were one of the few countries with a DVD. We showed up with a silver briefcase, which eventually won an international award. So everything was in our favour but as they got closer to determining the dates we couldn’t realistically host a match in February. While we were very disappointed that we could not participate in hosting warm-up matches our funding can now go towards the full support of the national team.
Q: The Bermuda Cricket Board has announced a schedule of international fixtures for next year. Are you confident that the facilities at the National Sports Centre, including the pitch, will be up to par?
A: I am very concerned. We have to be honest. I commend the trustees because everything the government has asked them to do they have moved on right away. They have bent over backwards to do the government’s bidding so we are on the same page.
With respect to the pitch, they have, from the moment it was determined not to be up to scratch, searched for the right soil, and I believe they have found it and are now in the process of bringing it in. I am confident that they will do whatever they have to do to get that pitch ready.
Q: Are you satisfied that the BCB, your Ministry and the country as a whole are really prepared for the World Cup?
A: There is more work to be done with the public. I don’t think they realize the significance of the event. The BCB I think now have a much broader vision because they feel confident that the government and the international business sector are going to support them. The BCB can only do so much. They will need to get the team ready; follow their plan and get the support of their affiliates. Now as the Minister, I will do my best to lead the charge.
Q: These preparations are going to cost money. What about this?
A: It is interesting that you should come in today because I have just signed off on the financial package for the Cabinet to review to determine how much funding they will receive and that frankly has always been a major concern of players and of the Bermuda public.
If you make it to this level Bermuda has to rally, if not we might as well just stick with the ordinary ‘county’ games, Cup Match and other minor tours. But when you step into ICC events be prepared to pay, that means the whole country.
Q: Victory in the InterContinental Cup competition will likely raise questions about Bermuda playing Test cricket since it appears that the ICC are using as a first step towards this. Do you foresee a time when Bermuda will play Test cricket?
A: One of the things that the BCB were asked to do and they did do was look beyond 2007. I commend them for that. They have looked at a legacy programme, which will develop youth cricket.
If we can get this going, the youngsters will have as their mentors the Clay Smiths and the Sluggo Leverocks. If we have a proper developmental programme and can get cricket back into the schools, if everything comes together with no lapses then there is absolutely no reason why we cannot move forward towards Test status.
Q: You made a bold prediction before Ireland, now the team is heading off for Namibia. Would you like to make a prediction now?
A: I don’t know much about the Kenyans...but we can beat them.[[In-content Ad]]
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