Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

Organisers of the ICC Cricket World Cup which got under way with several practice matches across the region yesterday are satisfied with the opening day's proceedings.

The managing director of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) West Indies 2007 Inc. and the minister with responsibility for overseeing World Cup matters have said the stage is now set for a super tournament in the Caribbean.

Chris Dehring, the managing director of ICC CWC West Indies 2007 Inc. told The Gleaner that "today (yesterday) we started to lay a very solid foundation and we need to build on it."

"The Caribbean can be very proud based on the first day's performance. There is still a long way to go," Mr. Dehring said via telephone from St. Vincent yesterday.

Super start

Delano Franklyn, the minister with responsibility for the CWC, also hailed yesterday's start as a great one, but noted that it is important for the organising team to remain focused.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, today's (yesterday's) start shows that we are shaping up for a very successful ICC CWC 2007," Mr. Franklyn said.

Yesterday, Jamaica debuted its hosting of the tournament with the West Indies/Kenya game at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. An estimated 2,000 spectators were at the game. Aside from some workers and security personnel turning up without accreditation at the venue, it was smooth sailing for the most part.

Meanwhile, both Mr. Dehring and Mr. Franklyn have noted that tougher tests lie ahead.

"The real McCoy will be the competitive matches. We will be severely tested then and I expect us to be successful again," Mr. Franklyn added.

Similarly, Mr. Dehring said: "We need to ensure that the volunteers stay focus, event management team stay focus, everybody stay focus, and of course the West Indies people have to start get more and more involved; attending the matches, feeling the spirit and promulgating that spirit across the Caribbean because that is what makes cricket in the Caribbean very special," he said.

Jamaica, as holders of the yellow package, is expected to be severely tested as the country will host the Opening Ceremony, the tournament's first real game at Sabina Park next Monday and later the first semi-final on April 24.

Mr. Franklin said anticipation is high as it relates to Jamaica delivering the goods, especially at this Sunday's opening ceremony and for the Sabina Park games.

"From where we sit all the venues will be shining jewels when they are unveiled for respective matches during the cricket world cup and I can't wait to unveil these jewels come next week," Dehring said.

The 49-day tournament which involves 16 teams come to an end on April 28 with the finals in Barbados.