The WICB has responded to a backlash over its allocation of Tests for
the series against England in April 2015 by holding a fresh bidding
process for potential hosts.
WICB had originally decided to allocate the three Tests to Guyana, Grenada and Jamaica. But, after that news was revealed
by ESPNcricinfo, the cricket boards and, in some cases politicians, of
the Caribbean nations that missed out reacted in dismay and have now
provoked a rethink.
Officials in Barbados, which has proved a popular destination for
England cricket supporters and recently hosted three well-attended T20s
between England and West Indies, are understood to have been
particularity irked by the decision.
"It is correct that there is an ongoing bidding process for hosting the
England series next year," a WICB spokesman told ESPNcricinfo. "There is
a list of criteria which the WICB has outlined to the territories.
"The winning bids will be determined based on an assessment of these
criteria and will not automatically be the highest bids. The criteria
involve a number of general and specific areas including but not limited
to pitch and outfield, spectator capacity, accommodation, ground
travel, logistics and airlift."
With many of the Caribbean nations heavily reliant upon tourism, the
allocation of an England Test is especially valuable. No other country
brings as many travelling supporters and their willingness to embrace
the local hotels, restaurants and bars provides a meaningful boost to
the local economies.
The WICB has many nations to satisfy and many grounds from which to select, meaning disappointment is inevitable for some.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo
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