Thursday, November 5 2009

THE new executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has highlighted the importance of cricket clubs to the enhancement of the sport.

TTCB president, Azim Bassarath explained yesterday that clubs are the driving force behind cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and they will not be neglected under his tenure.

Bassarath revealed an ambitious plan for the TTCB executive to visit every club in the country.

“Next week I am going to put it forward at the executive meeting that we visit every club in the country because they are the major stake holders of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago.

There are many clubs and if we have to break down in different committees to visit every club we will do that,” said Bassarath said.

The top cricket administrator explained that it is important for communities and villages to be visited by the executive of the TTCB so they can promote the sport and interact with the cricketers they represent.

Bassarath said that one problem of the previous administration was their detachment from the clubs and the lack of communication.

Thus far Bassarath has commenced meetings with all stake holders of the TTCB attending a retreated with the Primary Schools Cricket League as well as with the Tobago Cricket Association to discuss various strategies and policies.

“As president I have met with the South East Zone and spoken with the Secondary Schools Cricket League and this will be the trend for the next month.

“I will be meeting all Zones and affiliates and this will be a continuous process during my tenure for the next two years,” said Bassarath.

The confidence in Bassarath’s leadership by the clubs was seen in the build-up for the TTCB’s Annual General Meeting with his Movement for Change slate sweeping the National League elections.

“Next season you are going to see several initiatives by the TTCB. There will be seminars and club outreach programmes which will only be to the benefit of the clubs,” said Bassarath.