Antigua returns to international fold

The ICC praised the efforts of groundstaff to bring the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua back up to international standard

The ICC has informed the West Indies Cricket Board that the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua may now be used for international cricket after it passed an inspection.

In February 2009 the ground was the scene of a Test between West Indies and England that lasted just 10 balls before being abandoned because of an outfield that was described in the ICC’s report as unfit.

The ICC told the WICB that the ground could not be used for international cricket for a period of 12 months and also gave the board an official warning for not preparing the ground effectively for the match.

As per ICC instructions, over the past year, appropriate work was carried out and monitored by the WICB and an inspection of the ground was carried out by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of match referees.

The decision to re-approve the Sir Vivian Richards ground is in accordance with the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process, which was introduced in 2006 to ensure international cricket was played in conditions of a suitably high standard.

David Richardson, ICC general manager cricket, said: “We are content that the ground is now of sufficient standard to host international cricket again.

“The remedial work has been carried out and Mr Crowe has carried out a full inspection, during which he found the ground to be of a good standard.

“We are happy the situation has been remedied, we congratulate the ground staff on their hard work and we thank the WICB for their support and commitment in the process. This re-approval is effective immediately.”