BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Thousands of schoolchildren on the island of Barbados will get a chance to see international cricket for FREE thanks to a wonderful initiative by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
The WICB has joined with the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the schools across the island to allow aspiring cricketers and young fans the chance to see the first Test match between West Indies and Zimbabwe at the historic Kensington Oval. The match will be played from Tuesday, March 12 to Saturday, March 16.
Through its school’s programme, the WICB has made tickets available to schools so members of their cricket teams and other Windies fans can come and see their favourite players. Outlining the details of the programme, Cindy McLean, WICB’s Events Manager noted that a limited number of FREE tickets are also available for spectators over the age of 60.
In addition, those under the age of 16 – not attending with their school – will be issued a FREE ticket once accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Tickets for the match range from BDS$10 to $20 (US$5 to $10).
"We all know Bajans are passionate about their cricket with the rich legacy on the island. People of all ages follow the game closely and we have again made the move to make sure that even more fans get the chance to have a great experience of watching a Test match at the Kensington Oval – one of the leading cricket venues in world cricket," McLean said.
"The mission is to make sure that we spread the game and ensure that the young people across the Caribbean get an opportunity to see their team live in action. We know they see them on the television and via social media and on their smart phones and other modern devices, and here is a chance to see the players face to face."
McLean added: "We hope that an initiative like this will help to generate renewed interest in the game among our young and older fans alike. We have made the match accessible to our fans and we know our Windies players will help to make it memorable for all members of our cricket family. We are very pleased to work with the BCA on this programme and they have been very pro-active in reaching the fans on the island," McLean added
SCHEDULE OF MATCHES
Fri, Feb 22: 1st One-Day International – West Indies won by 156 runs – National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
Sun, Feb 24: 2nd One-Day International – West Indies won by 7 wickets – National Cricket Stadium
Tue, Feb 26: 3rd One-Day International – West Indies won by 5 wickets – National Cricket Stadium
Sat, Mar 2: 1st T20 International – West Indies won by 8 wickets – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua
Sun, Mar 3: 2nd T20 International – West Indies won by 41 runs – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground
Thu, Mar 7 to Sat, Mar 9: Tour match – Desmond Haynes Oval, Barbados
Tue, Mar 12 to Sat, Mar 16: 1st Test – Kensington Oval, Barbados
Wed, Mar 20 to Sun, Mar 24: 2nd Test – Windsor Park, Dominica