Barbados: We are almost one week into the ICC World Twenty20 Championship and the biggest concern so far has been the failure of the authorities to pull crowds to the grounds, which has been quite evident with the stands showing meagre numbers except in matches involving West Indies, but ICC’s Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, is satisfied with the crowd response in the Caribbean.

Lorgat admitted that the ICC had learnt from its mistake of not allowing the local fans to bring their musical instruments into the stands during the ICC World Cup 2007.

“We understood what we needed to do to bring the people back to the grounds. It is showing now. When the local supporters are allowed to do what they are familiar with, it makes a difference. We have seen it at Guyana and St Lucia,” Lorgat said. “I must admit that the support of the locals has been great. They have come with their drums and trumpets and have had fun. I am very satisfied and pleased with the way things have unfolded in the Caribbean.”

Evidently, there has been a party atmosphere at the venues, where the slam-bang format of T20 cricket and the Caribbean music have jelled quite nicely and kept whatever crowds have come in on their feet.

“Some of the cricket has been fantastic. The opening games were very good. The Super Eights should make the competition more stiff and engrossing,” said Lorgat, en route to St Kitts for kickstarting the women’s T20 World Cup.

He was happy that women’s cricket had begun to get recognition. “Women’s cricket is the fastest growing sector for us (ICC). Last year’s T20 WC was a great success. I would say that women’s cricket has taken off from there. The standards are improving as well,” said the ICC chief honcho.

Lorgat said the ICC had invested well in women’s cricket. “We have integrated women’s cricket as part of our system. Things are going according to our plans.”

He said that the T20 format is good for women’s cricket and world cricket. “No doubt they (women) play the other formats as well, but by just getting the opportunity to play alongside the men in the T20 World Cup has given the sport a real boost and enhanced its profile.”

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