Saint Lucia is poised to launch its Semi-Professional Cricket League (SPCL), marking a significant milestone in the island’s cricketing journey. The government’s unwavering commitment to the sport is evident through this initiative, which aims to provide substantial support for cricket development.
The upcoming Saint Lucia T20 Cricket competition, coupled with the potential to host matches in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), solidifies the island’s position as a premier cricket venue. Notably, ongoing improvements to the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG) and the proposed National Entertainment Centre underscore Saint Lucia’s dedication to fostering a vibrant sports and entertainment ecosystem.
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir recently revealed plans for the SPCL, tentatively scheduled for launch in October. Inspired by the success of hosting matches during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the government is investing in the ‘Legacy Project,’ which includes staging the Saint Lucia T20 Cricket competition.
Over the next two years, significant investments will be made in player compensation and sponsorship to maintain enthusiasm for cricket and talent identification. The authorities are working diligently to ensure the success of the T20 local cricket competition, with venues like Gros Islet, Mindoo Phillip Park (MPP), DSCG, and the Phillip Marcellin Grounds (PMG) identified for matches.
Saint Lucia’s hosting of the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the DSCG exceeded expectations, positioning the country as a premiere cricket venue worldwide. Kent Crafton and his crew’s meticulous pitch preparation have contributed to this legacy.
He said, the authorities have contacted the organisers of the original Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) cricket competition, and planning has been in effect for October, this year …and those timelines can be shifted, as we are in very tumultuous times as it pertains to weather patterns.
Added Casimir: We are working feverishly to ensure that we have the biggest T20 local cricket competition…and we as a government are going to make the necessary investment to ensure that exciting cricket continues in our island.
The sports minister stated that, the ‘October Timeline’ is set as a feasible date to get the SPCL competition going across the island.
Casimir notes that work was also completed to such amenities, as the locker rooms, media centre, installation of a modern lighting system and upgrades to other playing facilities.
The sports minister said that Saint Lucia is also looking forward to host matches in this year’s CPL- popularly dubbed ‘The Greatest Party in Sports’, globally.
On the upkeep of the DSCG, as the facility will be utilised to stage several entertainment activities for the carnival season and beyond, the sports minister disclosed, We’ve put together a comprehensive… usage policy or guideline for our facilities. My concern will continue to be the discipline of our people …because we have a country, where a lot of the times we put everything in place and the individuals that are supposed to follow these guidelines, do not.
In Saint Lucia, the controversial issue pertaining to the use of sporting facilities as entertainment venues has ‘crossed over lines’ with mixed responses.
To address this issue, the minister hinted at the establishment of a National Entertainment Centre, that will allow for those big mass crowd events.
