Second phase of VAT verification tour begins

The Venue Assessment Team (VAT) for the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 along with ICC and CWC 2007 officials yesterday began the second phase of their tour of countries bidding to host matches in the ICC CWC 2007.

The VAT, which comprises world games experts in various disciplines are visiting Lauderhill in Broward County, Florida, United States from June 7 to 8, Antigua from June 8 -9, St Kitts from June 9 -10, Jamaica from June 10 -11 and conclude with Bermuda from June 11 - 12.

Expressing satisfaction with the work done so far by the VAT on the verification tour, Managing Director of the ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc Chris Dehring said : " This tour is a critical phase in the venue selection process following which the VAT will prepare a technical report for submission to the CWC 2007 Board who they will also fully brief on their findings.

"Prior to the submission of their report, the VAT will not disclose their findings, even to the CWC in keeping with our approach of fairness and professionalism." he added.

"Nevertheless, I can say on behalf of the CWC 2007 and ICC officials who have accompanied the VAT on this tour that we have been impressed by the work done and efforts made by the respective countries in support of their bids" Dehring noted.

The touring party visited St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent, Trinidad, Guyana, and Barbados on the first leg of the Venue Verification Tour from May 24 to 29.

During that time the VAT held private meetings with Local Bid Committees and their experts in the various areas while the CWC officials met with government and cricket officials to discuss Host Venue Agreements and other matters. The VAT also toured stadiums and witnessed presentations on the plans for CWC 2007.

On June 24 the VAT will present their technical report to the CWC 2007 Board who will make the decision on the venues and award of matches, which will then go to the ICC for approval. The ICC will announce the venues that will host matches on July 4 while the award of matches will be revealed during a live television and radio broadcast on July 13.

For further information please contact:
Saunders-Franklyn Associates
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E-mail: saunders@sunbeach.net