WICB: More Test cricket, longer four-day tourney

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced that West Indies will be playing more Test cricket this year, and the regional four-day tournament will be extended next season to give players the opportunity to impress the selectors. It was confirmed yesterday at a post board meeting media press conference at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, that West Indies will be playing more Test cricket. West Indies will face Bangladesh and New Zealand in the coming months in Test matches and T20 matches. One day matches were dropped from the schedule because West Indies have not been playing much Test cricket of late. The schedule of matches will be released by the WICB later this week. Also, next season’s regional four-day tournament will be played from November 2014 to April 2015.

WICB president Dave Cameron said, “The board has approved the recommendation to extend the regional first class season and limited overs season, this would allow more regional cricketers to practice their trade and ensure a competitive mode for a longer season.” The four-day tournament will be a two-round home and away series between the territories. The Combined Colleges and Campuses is under review and may not participate in the four-day competition. The WICB is also hopeful that all the region’s top players will take part in the domestic competitions. Cameron said: “It is encouraged that all our players make themselves available, unless they are on West Indies duty to play in all of the domestic competitions. However, in working with the West Indies Players Association, one of the things we have agreed is that we would allow our players to take part in the Indian Premier League.”

Richard Pybus, West Indies director of cricket, was happy that the regional season will be extended. “We need to prioritise West Indies cricket, as it stands it is impossible for the selectors to recognise the players with the current set up, the selectors don’t see enough of the players.” Pybus also stated that the development of schools cricket and club cricket throughout the region will be looked at. Other plans by the WICB includes coaching development, examining management practices throughout the territorial boards, and improving regional cricket at the grassroot level.