No fans for cricket in Barbados; Guyana to announce decision soon

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has taken a decision not to allow any fans into the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, for the upcoming international fixtures.

West Indies play Australia in three One-Day Internationals at the Oval from July 20 to 24, then two Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan on July 27 and 28.

According to a release from the BCA: “Due to the recent directive issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Barbados, there will be no spectators allowed at Kensington Oval during the hosting of the West Indies One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International Home Series of matches.”

The release further added, “We can confirm that there will be live television coverage on FLOW Sports and also ball-by-ball radio coverage on CBC 94.7FM/Beat 104.1FM of each game.”

The move by the BCA is a change in approach by host nations on this packed home schedule by Cricket West Indies.

One of the West Indies Tests in St. Lucia against South Africa, and all 10 Twenty20s in Grenada and St. Lucia against South Africa then Australia, had limited entry for fully-vaccinated fans.

As of July 18, Barbados has recorded 4,251 cases of COVID-19 and 48 deaths. A total of 4,156 persons have recovered, while as of July 17, 169, 884 persons were vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., speaking Saturday on Hits and Jams 94.1 BOOM FM, indicated that discussions are still ongoing on the stance Guyana would take.

“The Government of Guyana is in discussions with the COVID-19 Task Force and the Ministry of Health in terms of trying to determine whether it is possible to get fans into the stands, and at what percentages and how to do it safely, so we are finalising those discussions.”

The Minister indicated that the Guyana Cricket Board is also involved in the discussions and they have sought guidance from Cricket West Indies and the International Cricket Council.

“As soon as the decision is made, we are going to make that announcement very soon.”

West Indies face Pakistan at Providence on July 31, August 1 and 3, all from 11:00h, and numerous fans were wondering whether they would be allowed entry. Over 126,000 persons have been fully vaccinated in Guyana to date.

Built in 2006 for the 2007 50-over World Cup, the National Stadium has a capacity of approximately 15,000.