Cricket's cash quandary

Could Bermuda lose its associate status in the cricket world?

That’s a possibility if the Bermuda Cricket Board cannot find the cash to meet all the ICC mandated standards.

The sporting body is facing its own cash crunch after Government slashed the amount of money cricket received from $1m down to $200k.

And with corporate sponsors counting pennies the Board has to come up with the money to spend on programmes mandated by the ICC.

Neil Speight, CEO of the BCB, said: “Our associate status would be in serious jeopardy. I don’t want to start panicking yet because we’re going to meet with the minister so we’re still optimistic.

Tightening

“The record of the Board over the past five to seven years is unprecedented. It’s quite clear for a country to win the Best Overall Development five out of six years and the to pick up three Global Development Awards in three years — when you’re competing against 95 countries — shows that something valuable is going on.

“We recognize that times aren’t that good and there are austerity measures and everyone’s tightening their belt.

“But cricket is more than just a national team going to play in the World Cup or Dwayne Leverock taking a catch.

“It’s a lot about youth leagues and development and getting involved in schools and finding people constructive things to do.

“Anyone who’s read the Mincy Report and know the recommendations that come out of that, would know those things.

“It was certainly a shock when the Minister Blakeney announced the cut.”

He said the BCB executive have had discussions with the Minister since then and will have discussions going forward in trying to reclaim some funds for the coming year.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that there will be more than originally allocated. We can’t deliver a free programme if we don’t have any money.

“We’ll have to make do with whatever is available.”

He said the BCB’s associate member status would be in jeopardy.

Speight said in 2008 the membership criteria for associates were strengthened because of expansion within the ICC to 100 countries.

Expense

“The requirements to be an associate have greatly increased. I’m not sure if that’s fully understood.

“We do get ICC funding as well as Government funding, plus whatever is available in the corporate world, which is obviously very soft right now.”

He said the Board has to dish out salaries for a full-time CEO, national coach, financial controller, and a development officer as well as having a place to call as its headquarters.

“It can’t be in a room in someone’s house.

“This year we have to put a team in the World Cricket League in April and the T20 in July. There’s an expense associated with both tournaments.

“We have to put a team up for an under-17 tournament and a team for an under-15 tournament.”

Speight said the Board has to field locally 16 senior teams as well as 16 junior teams and four women’s teams to make the minimum standard for Associate status.