Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has praised the nation’s remarkable level of organization after Kensington Oval was chosen as the venue for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup final.
In an official statement released on Friday, Mottley celebrated Barbados’ status as a cricketing mecca and Kensington Oval’s recognition among the world’s premier sporting venues.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that Barbados had been selected to host the final of the upcoming ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, along with three Super Eight second-round games and five group stage matches scheduled from June 1 to June 29.
Pride and excitement
Expressing her pride and excitement, Prime Minister Mottley stated, “That Barbados will host this final, as well as eight other games throughout the tournament, is nothing short of a privilege and an honor.”
She noted the historical significance of Kensington Oval hosting its third global cricketing final, following the 2007 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final and the 2010 Men’s T20 World Cup Final.
Mottley emphasized the connection between cricket and the identity of Barbados, asserting, “Cricket is intrinsically linked to the identity of Barbados. Quite simply, it is in our DNA.” She highlighted the nation’s rich history in producing some of the greatest cricket players, including the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers.
As preparations for the T20 World Cup are underway, Kensington Oval is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation. Prime Minister Mottley stressed the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the tournament’s success and the safety and enjoyment of fans from around the world.
Six Caribbean host venues
Barbados will be one of six Caribbean host venues for the ICC T20 World Cup, with Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines also hosting matches. Dominica had initially been announced as a host venue but withdrew last month due to insufficient time for stadium upgrades.
The tournament’s first semi-final will be hosted by Guyana on June 26, followed by the second semi-final in Trinidad and Tobago on June 27.
Prime Minister Mottley concluded her statement by thanking the ICC and Cricket West Indies for choosing Barbados and Kensington Oval as the location for the ICC 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup Final, calling upon all Barbadians to work together to ensure the tournament’s resounding success and showcase the nation’s pride and industry to the world.
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