Cricket resurgence key legacy goal for Barbados amid T20 World Cup preparation

The Mia Mottley-led government of Barbados has designated the “resurgence of cricket in Barbados” as the paramount legacy benefit expected from the country’s hosting of the T20 World Cup in June.

Ambassador Noel Lynch, chairman of the National Organising Committee (NOC), emphasized the integral role cricket has played in Barbados’ national development. He stressed that the government’s objective is to harness the T20 World Cup platform to revitalize the nation’s cricketing heritage.

With Kensington Oval set to host nine matches, including the final, Lynch outlined the multifaceted legacy Barbados hopes to achieve from the tournament. While acknowledging potential benefits in tourism, hospitality, investment, and infrastructure, Lynch underscored the importance of cricket’s resurgence.

Foundational to Barbados’ socio-cultural development

According to Lynch, cricket has been foundational to Barbados’ socio-cultural development and has produced iconic figures who have excelled in various fields. The NOC’s ‘Greatness Campaign’ aims to promote former West Indies players alongside prominent figures from other sectors to inspire a new generation and reconnect Barbadians with their cricketing legends.

Lynch stressed the urgency of exposing Barbadian youth to the achievements of cricketing icons like Sir Garfield Sobers to instill a sense of national pride and excellence across all endeavors.

The NOC’s role, Lynch explained, is to ensure Barbados maximizes the benefits of hosting the T20 World Cup while avoiding past pitfalls. With a focus on legacy, the committee aims to ensure that all Barbadians, regardless of their involvement in the event, derive lasting benefits from the tournament.

Comprising stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as civil society, the NOC is committed to making Barbados ready to leverage the T20 World Cup for holistic national development.