WICB looks to benefit from Tendulkar’s farewell

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) recently held talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), exploring ways they can use Sachin Tendulkar’s record 200th Test match, to the benefit of cricket in the region. Recently, Baldath Mahabir, the WICB director, made the trip to India and held talks with officials of the BCCI and according to him, they were very fruitful indeed. Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host India’s two Tests against the West Indies in November, which will mark the end of Tendulkar’s 24-year career. While Eden Gardens will host the first Test from November 6 to 10, Tendulkar’s farewell Test will be played at his home ground from November 14 to 18. The decision was taken during the BCCI’s tour programme and fixtures committee meeting in Mumbai yesterday.



Mahabir explained that the WICB hopes to use the occasion to showcase the region to the world. “This is likely to be the most watched ever Test match in the history of the game and we are looking to use the occasion to showcase our cricket both one and off the field. We are looking to our players to give a grand performance on the field to show the world that West Indies cricket which they love so much is alive and well.



He continued, “We are also looking to do a number of things off the field as well, which would show that our cricket is in a healthy state. Of course nothing is finalised as yet because there is an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting over the next few days where all matters will be discussed before we are given the green light to take part.” The WICB is hoping to put together a charter to take cricket fans across to India for the match, as according to Mahabir many of our cricket fans would not want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime. “We are also hoping to stage an event in India, which would also showcase our strong ties and continued good relations with the BCCI.” The BCCI is considered the big dog in world cricket and has a lot of say in the running of the game because of their financial strength.