Stanford sizzles

We’ve all watched enough sporting finals to realise that most of them are empty, disappointing one-sided affairs. Trouble is, no one told Trinidad and Tobago nor Guyana as they shaped for the Stanford 20/20 million-dollar shootout last week in Antigua.

It was a sensational experience.

An emotionally-charged display of intense ‘rock star’ cricket worked the capacity crowd into a frenzy on a night that will not be forgotten by those lucky enough to witness it first hand.

Tens of millions of satisfied television viewers worldwide breathed a collective sigh of relief upon the conclusion and sat back exhausted, yet fulfilled at the experience.

There were fireworks galore, and I am not just talking about the 20-minute post-match explosive celebration that rocked everyone’s senses to conclude the tournament. That display rivaled the Sydney Harbour extravaganza that we eagerly await every New Year.

The game was sealed by a towering Guyanese six with one ball to spare and wild celebratory scenes provided the perfect sign-off to what was an astonishing event in every sense.

Allen Stanford set one goal for the tournament. His wish was to excite everyone in the region with cricket again. His innovation captivated the entire Caribbean and sealed the rebirth and re-emergence of the sport.

The final was held ten months and ten days after Stanford brazenly announced to the cricketing world that he was to change the face of West Indies cricket.

At the time a brooding, discontented and despondent visual was omnipresent, but not anymore! The joy on the faces of cricket enthusiasts throughout the five-week spectacular was a sight to behold.

Allen Stanford’s financial investment was gargantuan but his purpose was lucid.

His optimistic objectives were as follows:
- To rejuvenate and revitalise West Indies cricket.
- To showcase raw, new talent on a global stage.
- To provide financial incentive according to players’ skills and ability.
- To generously commit financial resources for regional cricket development.
- To recognise the Caribbean ‘superheroes’ of the past and pay tribute accordingly to 14 remarkable West Indies legends who previously conquered the cricketing world.
- Most importantly, to bring back pride and passion for the game on both sides of the fence.

All of the above boxes can be ticked off with pride. Stanford has achieved.

Caribbean cricket is an incredible catalyst and a potent source of limitless energy, which has the potential to amalgamate an entire region.

When exhibited, as witnessed over the past month, it inspires pride and heart and soul, which, in turn, translates to a galvanised community that has the ability to promote motivation and productivity.

Innovation has been celebrated in a style that can only be replicated in the West Indies and the enjoyment for the game has been rekindled with spontaneous combustion.

After all… West Indies cricket, when played well, is the region’s finest ambassador.

That is what we have witnessed.

Allen Stanford has sizzled with red-hot resolve.