Bryan - We have learnt from 2007 CWC

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Tournament director of the ICC World Twenty20 (WT20) WI 2010, Richard Bryan, says regional organisers learnt valuable lessons from the 2007 Cricket World Cup, which they will use to enhance next year's staging of cricket's newest showpiece event.

Speaking at the official launch of ticket sales for the event, which gets under way on Friday, April 30 next year, Bryan, who played an integral role in the organisation of the 2007 World Cup, which was criticised for high pricing and spectator restrictions, said ticket prices had been adjusted and spectators would be allowed to take food, flags, horns and conks into venues.

"We learnt a lot from the 2007 World Cup and as such, have implemented measures, including ticket prices and spectator allowances, to ensure that stands are full and Caribbean nationals get a chance to fully enjoy the spectacle," said Bryan at the launch, which was held at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

The event, which will have ticket prices ranging from US$5 (J$450) to (J$3,600) for the final, will be staged at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia, Warner Park in St Kitts and at the Guyana National Stadium.

It will be held over 15 days and will culminate with the final of the men and women's segment, which will integrate via double headers from the semi-final stage at Kensington Oval on Sunday, May 16.

Throughout the preliminary stages of the 12-team championship, children will be admitted free of cost, women's games will be free and subject to the chosen ticket categories, spectators will get a chance to choose the seats and rows in which they want to sit, and bring their loudest 'noise-makers'. Re-entry will also be permitted.

"We want to see fans filling the stands and enjoying the sights, sounds and fellowship of international cricket with a real West Indian feel," said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

"For cricket-loving people of the Caribbean, the ICC World Twenty20 2010 is a rare opportunity to view the world's top cricketers at once - both men and women - performing at their best. The countdown to April 30 is on," Lorgat added.

The West Indies, who made it to the semi-finals of the second staging of the championship earlier this year, will participate in Group D of the tournament, along with England and the second of two ICC affiliate qualifiers.