Gordon's WICB sings all the way to the bank

NEW YORK, USA, July 11, 2007 - Cricket World Cup Windies may have been criticized for poor attendance at Cup matches but its chair is claiming ticket sales from the event surpassed those from the previous cups.

Speaking following the 22nd meeting of the Board of Directors, held in Kingston, Jamaica on July 6th, ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc. Chairman, Kenneth Gordon, disclosed that 672,000 tickets were sold during the entire ninth tourney at a whopping US$32 million. It was more than the 625,000 sold for the last cup in South Africa and the 476,000 in England, during the seventh tourney, said Gordon.

The West Indies Cricket Board president also insisted that the money will serve to eliminate the current financial deficit of the WICB and provide a direct return to host countries. He did not reveal what percentage of the profits will go to host countries that invested heavily to prepare for the international tourney. But the Board’s debt is put at an estimated US$10 million.

The nine host venues shelled out mega books to host the event, with many building new stadias across the region. But poor showing at many matches and in hotel bookings, as well as criticism over high ticket prices, a last minute CARICOM visa program and the death of Pakistan Coach, Bob Woolmer, dogged the tournament. (Hardbeatnews.com)

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg