The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) has noted the reduced amount of international cricket that is coming our way in this country and will be looking carefully at what can be done to host more matches. In 2011, T&T will host a T20 game and two One Day internationals between the West Indies and India. President of the TTCB, Azim Bassarath speaking at the board's end of year function said he was concerned over the fact that no Test matches are being held in T&T in 2011 but at the same time he understands that there are more Test venues in the Caribbean at present.
"We will have three matches between West Indies and India and these matches are sure to be sold out come June next year. However, I have noticed that there are no Test matches for us in 2011 and this leaves on concerned," said Bassarath. "I understand that one of the legacies of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean, is that more venues cropped up and the board would like to please everybody. However, we in T&T need to have Test matches here so that our young and developing players can get a taste of the best form of the game.
"I am not bashing the WICB for the situation but what I am saying is that we have to come up with strategies to get more cricket in T&T." Bassarath also added that he is keenly awaiting the completion of the Brian Lara Stadium ,as they would give the board an advantage in terms of hosting matches. "The Queen's Park Oval is a great venue and would continue to host matches but if we can add the Brian Lara Stadium to that and of course the stadium is owned by government so the rental will be less, we can be in a better position to bargain for matches."