KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Dr Donovan Bennett has admitted that ticket sales have been slow for the opening One Day International between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sabina Park on Wednesday.
Sabina Park will host three ODIs between West Indies and Sri Lanka.The Windies will take on the visitors in a three-match ODI series in Jamaica, with the two other matches slated to be played on June 6 and June 8.
In an interview with The Observer, Bennett said he hoped sales would pick up in the final two days.
“I have been pleading and trying to get CWI [Cricket West Indies] to get this thing going a little bit quicker, but the sales have gone up a little bit late.
“I would hope that over the next two days there will be a rush, because I am not satisfied with what I am hearing; re the 50-over games,” Bennett said.
“The public needs to understand that the JCA has a part to play in bringing international cricket to Jamaica, but the cricketing public also has a part to play because if we don’t get crowds then we don’t get matches — so they need to turn out.
“And especially next year, when we have both India and England coming to the Caribbean, they need to strengthen our hands by coming out and giving us good support,” he added.
Bennett maintained that Sabina Park was in prime condition ahead of the opener.
“I think we’re ready to deliver. The only little hiccup we had was that the lights were blown out of focus during the passage of the hurricane, but we have refocused those — those were done last week. Otherwise, we’re pretty good,” he said.
