CRICKET-PM Mottley hails Barbados’ organization’ after securing WC final

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has lauded the country’s “high level of organization” after Kensington Oval was awarded the final of this year’s Twenty20 World Cup.

In a statement Friday, Mottley said the country had “firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca.” At the same time, the storied Kensington Oval had cemented its place among the world’s leading sporting venues.

The International Cricket Council announced Friday that Barbados could host the final of the June 1-29 showpiece, in addition to three Super Eight, second-round games, and five group stage matches.

“It is with a sense of pride and excitement that I join cricket fans here and across the region in celebrating Barbados being selected to host the International Cricket Council 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final,” Mottley said.

“That Barbados will host this final, as well as eight other games throughout the tournament, three of which are Super 8 (quarter-finals) games, is nothing short of a privilege and an honor.

“It is a historic moment for our country as well, as this will be the third global cricketing final Kensington Oval has hosted, confirming its place among the world’s premier sporting venues.

“As a Government, we believe this is a testament to the high level of organization Barbados has displayed throughout the years, having hosted the 2007 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and the 2010 Men’s T20 World Cup Final.”

Barbados will be one of six Caribbean host venues for the ninth edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, with Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines all hosting matches.

Dominica had also been announced as a host venue but pulled out last month, citing insufficient time to complete required stadium upgrades.

Barbados will welcome its first group stage game on June 2 when Namibia clashes with Oman. It will also stage two of World Champions England’s games – against Scotland on June 4 and a blockbuster against Australia on June 8.

“It is equally a reflection of the fact that cricket is intrinsically linked to the identity of Barbados. Quite simply, it is in our DNA,” Mottley continued.

“Throughout our history, our nation has firmly established itself as a cricketing mecca, producing some of the greatest male and female players to have played the game, including the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen, our National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.”

The Oval, located on the city’s outskirts, will now undergo a multi-million renovation in time for the T20 World Cup. Mottley said collaboration with all stakeholders was crucial to the venture’s success.

“The planned renovation of Kensington Oval is tangible evidence that Barbados has already started its preparations,” she said.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with all stakeholders, in and outside the sporting arena, to ensure the thousands of fans worldwide experience a safe, enjoyable, and successful tournament and final.

“On behalf of the Government and all Barbadians, I wish to express sincere thanks to the ICC and Cricket West Indies for selecting Barbados and Kensington Oval as the location of choice to host this ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final.

“As Barbadians, let us all work together to ensure this tournament is a success. And in so doing, let us reflect the pride and industry we possess as a people and share it with the world.”

Guyana will host the first semi-final on June 26, while Trinidad and Tobago will stage the second semi-final the following day.