“To say I am disappointed is an understatement,” related Stanford 20/20 creator and financier Allen Stanford, “we are frustrated at the turn of events, especially in light of the fact that the date for the Stanford Super Star Match was approved by both the WICB and the ICC from January 2006.  However, we have always said that we would not do anything which conflicts with, or compromises West Indies cricket and so we have decided that it is in the best interest of everyone involved, especially the players, that we cancel the Super Star Match.”

Perhaps the most disappointing fact about the cancellation is that the West Indies tour to Pakistan was not finalized until August, more than 2 months after the agreement with South Africa for the November match was confirmed.  The WICB informed Stanford an application was made to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to delay the start of the tour so that the conflict could be resolved.  Unfortunately, the WICB reported that the PCB was unable to accommodate the request. 

In a last ditch effort to salvage the match Stanford asked if the WICB could provide the names of those players that would be on the team to Pakistan so that a team could be selected out of those not going on the tour, this was also not accommodated by the WICB leaving no alternative but cancellation.

Some of the players that were training at the Super Star team camp would be expected to be chosen for the Pakistan tour.  “We did not want to put these players in a position where they would have to choose between our event and playing for the West Indies,” continued Stanford.  “This would be unfair to them, and one of our goals has always been to foster the positive and successful development of our athletes.” 

The Super Star camp began in Antigua on August 23^rd and yesterday Stanford himself gave the news to the players via teleconference.  Reactions from the players, who heard first hand the disappointment in the voice of the Stanford 20/20 creator, were that of shock and disbelief.

West Indies fast bowler Pedro Collins expressed his hope for the future after hearing the news, “I am very very hurt and disappointed. I wish that things like this could be resolved amicably in future. Playing against South Africa would have been a great opportunity for the young players to establish themselves in world cricket. All in all it was a great experience to be a part of the selected few for the Super Star squad. I wish Mr. Allen Stanford and his staff all the very best in future when hosting games and tournaments such as these, they are truly beneficial to our development.”

The Stanford 20/20 Board will meet on Monday, 4 September in Antigua where the future of the Stanford 20/20 programme will be discussed and the final details of the recently concluded Tournament will be wrapped up.   

For more information about the Stanford 20/20 Tournament, contact organizers Kelly Holding Ltd. on 345.946.8822, by email at info@stanford2020.com or log on to www.Stanford2020.com.