by HAYDN GILL

A NEW Barbados Community Cricket League (BCCL) is not getting off the ground with its anticipated numbers but organisers will approach Government on a new project designed to take the sport to another level.

Due to a lack of interest among teams that originally expressed a desire to compete in the BCCL, which was regarded in some quarters as a breakaway from the Barbados Cricket League (BCL), only four teams will take part in a reduced competition expected to start next weekend.

"When it came to 'D' day or the time, some teams backed out and said they were not too sure," said Franklyn Stephenson, co-ordinator of the BCCL.

"It is something new and there was a lot of feedback about not wanting to break up the BCL. I'm a realist. Whatever happens was meant to happen.

"We are not disappointed as such. If you believe in something, it is going to happen. It's good that the committee is anxious and keen to carry on. We've had people contacting us after the deadline."

The BCCL was designed mainly for communities throughout the island and was initially expected to feature a three-day competition, a 40-overs tournament, a Twenty20 championship and prize money better than the BCL.

Additionally, each team would have been allowed to register two Under-18 players who would have benefited
from complimentary apprenticeships with the Franklyn Stephenson Cricket Academy.

The BCCL had also committed to clubs in assisting them to find sponsorship.

In spite of the setback, the new league still has big plans.

"We are busy doing the research to put a proposal to Government and the various ministries. We want to take Barbados into a new realm where cricket is concerned. It is our heritage, but we've dropped it," Stephenson said.

"Sport has the greatest potential for development in Barbados. With sport, you can develop any other entity that you are looking at.

"We believe we have the proper concept to involve 95 per cent of Barbados in a sporting project that benefits the island and the people."

Apart from Stehpenson, a former widely experienced professional, the other key players in the BCCL are assistant
co-ordinator Clem Brome, secretary-treasurer Wendy Alleyne and public relations officer Harvey "Pop" Daniel.

After two months of the upcoming competition, the league intends to announce plans for another tournament later in the year.