PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

WHEN THE final figures from this year's Cricket World Cup come in at the end of the month, it is expected that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will be able to clear its US$15 million debt. This was the assertion made by president of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) and WICB director, Deryck Murray, on Tuesday.

"When the World Cup company is wound up by the end of September, we would get the final figures from the event," the former Test wicketkeeper told CMC Sports.

"Prior to the event all kinds of projections were made by people in different quarters, with some even suggesting that a profit of around US$100 million will be realised," Murray said.

"We don't know for sure, but I am pretty confident that the US$15 million debt the board has, can be cleared off. However, having said this, I must add that we really don't know how much money will be available after this to put the WICB on a solid financial footing."

Sufficient funds

Murray added that finance had always been an issue for the regional board and stressed that one could only run cricket in the best possible way, if there were sufficient funds available.

"Each territorial board is charged with the responsibility of getting financing from the corporate sector or their respective governments. This is crucial in setting up development programmes and planning efficiently," Murray pointed out.

"If each territorial board knows that the WICB is on a solid footing and they are guaranteed a certain amount of money that comes from sponsorship and television rights, then they can go ahead and look for the extra funds to plan their business accordingly.

"As an example, if you want to plan a seven-year programme, you need to know that funds are available from the board. This is a form of security, so now you can hire two or three coaches and pay them to perform their jobs, rather than going into a piece-meal arrangement.