Thumbs up for new-look Busta

The new-look regional cricket competition, the Busta Cricket Series 2001, has received thumbs up from a cross-section of the Caribbean's cricketing personalities.

Reacting to the two-tiered competition which will see two titles up for grabs - the Busta Cup for the traditional regional teams and the Busta International Shield which can be won by a regional team, the West Indies B team (Under-23s) or England A-many persons have praised the idea of having international participation as well as a developmental West Indies team in the annual tournament.

West Indies vice-captain, Sherwin Campbell, says "playing against England A and other "A" teams will expose younger players in the region to some of the pressures of international cricket before they are exposed to the real thing". This is a very positive move which both he and team manager, Ricky Skerritt, believe will help improve the quality of regional cricket.

"I am very excited by the prospect of international teams participating in the four-day tournament. It reflects a more global approach which is what is needed when competing in a global environment, said Skerritt, touring with the senior squad in Australia.

Former captain, Brian Lara, fully endorsed the extended format which he said should go a long way towards lifting the "diminishing standards and waning public interest in domestic cricket." The Trinidadian batsman even suggested the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) should consider the possibility of inviting more than one international team to increase competitiveness regionally.

West Indies team coach, Roger Harper, lauded the decision by the board and sponsors, S.M. Jaleel and Company Limited, to introduce technical assistance and incentives for regional boards. This, he said, "should result in better-prepared players at the West Indies level" which is "the ultimate objective".

The restructured Busta Cricket Series has also received high marks from former West Indies Test players, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding, who think young Caribbean cricketers stand to gain invaluable experience from rubbing shoulders with international teams. In addition, Roberts expects the cash incentives for regional teams to beat the invitational team to inspire players to perform at their best.

Holding was particularly impressed with the tournament structure which he said alleviates any fears some fans might have had of a non-West Indian team being crowned regional champions.

"I am totally against a foreign team being able to win the Busta Cup that symbolises our Caribbean champion, which is important. The tournament structure as proposed, though with a separate trophy for the international element, makes me very happy."