PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad:
ALLOY LEQUAY, chief executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, said he expects the 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC) finals to be played either in Jamaica or Barbados.
Lequay said his information came from international cricket officials, whom he chose not to identify. He was interviewed on Friday by the Associated Press news service.
Jamaica and Barbados are two of the region's traditional Test-playing venues, Lequay noted. The region will find out which eight countries will host matches when the final host venue countries are announced today.
"I believe that there is going to be general satisfaction across the Caribbean," said Rawle Brancker, CWC 2007 chairman.
51-MATCH EVENT
Bids were submitted by Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts Nevis, Bermuda and the United States.
The 51-match event is set for April and May 2007.
"It is my understanding... Trinidad and Tobago will be guaranteed the opening ceremony, six group matches involving the West Indies and one semi-final," Lequay said. He said Trinidad would also benefit by staging a series of warm-up matches before the tournament.
Details of the specific matches to be played at the eight venues, including the opening ceremony and match, final and semi-finals will be announced on July 13.
