WICB to earn hefty sum By Orin Davidson in Orlando, Florida
Stabroek News
August 4, 2002

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The West Indies Cricket Board will earn a hefty sum when they stage the 2007 World Cup competition.

Andrew Eade, the new International Cricket Council (ICC) global development officer has disclosed that the WICB will earn US$103 million in television money alone for the month long competition.

Eade was speaking at a development symposium put on by the Cricket Council of Americas earlier this week here at the Hotel Royal Plaza in Orlando.

The ICC official said the sum does not include gate revenue and it is part of a US$550m deal the ICC successfully negotiated for the two upcoming World Cups and three ICC knockout tournaments.

The money however, will be had over a seven year period. South Africa which will stage the next World Cup in six months will take in US$88M from television.

Of the $550 million, $39M is earmarked for development among the ICC's 84 affiliate members. That amounts to US$40,000 annually for associate members like the United States.

WICB president Wes Hall who also addressed the symposium said the board is vigorously pursuing help from regional Governments to develop its facilities to meet the standard requirements.

He said all countries within the WICB's jurisdiction can stage matches if they have the required facilities, including the United States.

WICB chief development officer Michael Seepersaud was also present at the symposium and promised coaching help to the United States Cricket Association.

The symposium was part of activities held during the Americas Cup under-15 limited overs competition staged at Disneyland's Wide World of Sports complex.

Bermuda, coached by former Guyana player Mark Harper have already won the title with one round of matches remaining in the round robin competition. They are unbeaten in their first four of five matches.

Canada are poised to take second place while The U.S., Argentina, Cayman Islands and a combined Bahamas/Belize side are battling for the lesser positions.