Cameron dismisses suggestions MLC defaulted on prizes

Bernard Cameron, the president of Major League Cricket, has dismissed suggestions that promises and commitments made by MLC during the Interstate Tournament have yet to be fulfilled several months after the event itself.

MLC had promised a $7000 cash award to Texas, the winners of the event, a bowling machine, and vouchers for purchases from L-Sporto. The certificates for the cash awards, and the vouchers for L-Sporto equipment, were indeed delivered by the due dates as promised. However, when the recipients of these awards attempted to follow up with L-Sporto, the discovered that the business's website had been discontinued and no longer existed, so there was no way to collect on the vouchers. The same thing happened with the certificates promising cash awards for development of local programs promised to Texas.

"We have repeatedly attempted to collect on the promises made by Chris Anderson, CEO of L-Sporto, on behalf of our state squads to no avail," admitted Cameron. "Anderson made these promises in front of all cricketers present at the finals ceremony and signed an agreement to such.

"MLC has sort legal recourse on this matter with substantial costs and no definite outcome presently in sight. We will continue to proceed as we attempt to collect on the merchandise vouchers. Sponsors must be made accountable. Their inaction leaves a perception of doubt with our fan-base and we have demanded that they meet their end of the agreement as MLC has met its."

With regard to the development funds and the bowling machine, Cameron insisted that MLC was not at fault. "One of the requirements for receiving the development fund (which included the bowling machine) was the submission of an approved development plan.

"The bowling machine manufacturer (JUGS) did indicate that production was delayed and the first one was ready and shipped in early April. MLC has one machine on hold for Texas. This machine was planned for delivery on April 15 to Houston during the annual Indo-Pak competition. No responses were received from Texas to the development plans, hence, delivery was cancelled.

"We must all be held accountable for our agreements, actions and responsibilities," Cameron continued. "MLC intends to be held accountable and deal with any consequences whereas L-Sporto is concerned. Unscrupulous sponsors rise up and fall every day. We are looking down the barrel of having dealt with one.

"At the same token, our immigrant cricketers must begin to realise that they too are responsible and cannot and will not be given continuous free rides whereas the development of cricket in the United States is concerned.

"As a avid tennis player: I pay the United States Tennis Association for my yearly membership, pay the tournament fees for any tournaments, leagues, ladders etc that I wish to play in - while paying my own transportation, accommodation and meals to and from the tennis event.

"Moreover, as I am a part of a community tennis development program, if I require any funding from the USTA - or any foundation for that matter - I must submit a proposal that must be approved before one iota of funds can be distributed.

"In this instance we MLC paid all hotel, meals and ground transportation for all players in addition to providing development funds. The only requirement for release of the development funds/bowling machine: an approved development plan."