The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) has decided to keep a retreat on October 17 pending a relaxation of quarantine rules to deal with the effects of COVID-19 on the cricket and to map a way forward.
This decision was taken by the executive of the board on the weekend at their board meeting held via Zoom. President of the board Azim Bassarath speaking to Guardian Media Sports on Tuesday confirmed that the retreat which is held annually by the executive has been carded for October 17. "We met via Zoom on the weekend and we have set October 17 for the retreat to deal with all things COVID-19 and cricket. Meeting via Zoom is nothing compared to meeting in person so we have set this date pending on a decision by the prime minister. The prime minister the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley will address the nation on October 10 and we are hoping that the numbers of those getting the virus keep going down so that he can relax the quarantine rules a bit which will allow us to meet in person.
"We are of the firm view that we can achieve a lot more by meeting in person and hence we are waiting to hear what he says in his address to the nation."
Bassarath said there are several topics to be dealt with by the executive and he is hopeful they can get everything in place for what he says should be a bumper year of cricket next year. "We are hoping for a great year of cricket next year. In fact, once we can get this virus under control, I see no reason why we can't have a great year next year."
This year the cricket has been decimated with the local league cricket called off with two rounds to go. There was also no 50 overs cricket and also no T20 cricket arranged by the board. Even at the West Indies level, the regional tournament was called off with two rounds to go and there has been no indication that they will host the Super50 last this year. The regional under-15 tournament was called off, as well as the under-17 and under-19.
Bassarath is hopeful that the players will have an uninterrupted season next year. "We feel it for cricketers as they have really lost out a lot but there was nothing that the authorities could have done differently because life was placed ahead of everything else."
Bassarath who is also a director on Cricket West Indies (CWI) added: "At the level of CWI and also at TTCB we have been trying our best to see when and if cricket can be played and rest assured as soon as there is the slightest opportunity we will have cricket played."
The West Indies cricket team was the first international team to tour after COVID-19 struck as they went to England for a three-Test series which they lost 1-2.