Dennie Quill, Contributor

My American friends often tease me about the game of cricket. What, they ask, is the name of that game that you guys love so much, the one that you play for days without getting a result? At other times they joke about the fact that the game begins in the morning, people and players go home at the end of the day only to resume the same game next day. Yes that's the game we all love so well. And isn't it ironic that an American, Allen Stanford, is the one to sketch the new face of West Indies cricket?

This Texan billionaire with the full endorsement of the men he dubbed "legends" pumped US$28 million into the just-ended tournament as he sought to achieve his stated goal "to get everyone in the region excited about cricket again". Not to mention the incentive to the players of getting the biggest payday in Caribbean cricket. Yes, big dreams were launched in Antigua mid-July and the exciting emergence of young talent is impressive evidence to dispel the notion that West Indies youngsters have no interest in the game.

The purists say 20/20 is more like a slog fest akin to curried goat cricket. I agree that many of the shots we saw during the 20/20 did not come from the coaching manual and the fielding was often sloppy but we cannot deny that this competition produced a few potential stars for the future. Will it replace the more esoteric form of the game? One never knows.

However, I want to thank Mr. Stanford for thoroughly entertaining me since mid-July. As our Caribbean societies get more and more violent and criminals become more brazen, many people have stopped going out, so the recent feast of 20/20 cricket brought a collective sigh of relief for many households. We were glued to our television sets.

And what a scintillating final last Sunday! Trinidad and Tobago looked set to win when hungry Guyana came from behind and pulled off a stunning victory.

Viable investment

In the 70's it was Australian Kerry Packer, now it is Allen Stanford. Regional cricket has always had to find its saviour from outside the Caribbean. We often wonder why men of the region who appear on the World Rich List never see cricket as a viable investment. I posed this question to some of my pals recently and they replied in one voice: it's the taxes, stupid. Apparently billionaire Stanford gets huge tax incentives from the Antiguan government where he owns banks, a newspaper, airlines etc.

I have been critical of the West Indies Cricket Board in the past for their ineptitude and lack of creative skills in managing the affairs of regional cricket. Even with the urbane Ken Gordon at the helm, that view has not changed. Is it the case that the WICB Board cannot convince the Governments of the region that they should offer real incentives to ensure that the requisite funds are put into the development and management of the game?

English version

Twenty/20 is not a Stanford original. Faced by dwindling gate receipts and indifference to the game, the England and Wales Cricket Board introduced this version of the game in 2003. The concept is the same, three thrilling hours meant to capture new fans like women and children with plenty of side-shows. The frenzy of the crowds at the inaugural 20/20 in Antigua, gave a good picture of the positive response to this big-hitting exhibition. Today, India is the only cricketing nation which does not have a version of 20/20 cricket. Will 20/20 therefore replace the extended version of the game? Will Test cricket slowly die as cricketers play to empty stands all over the world? Only time will tell.

While I say heartiest congratulations to the Guyanaese team, I am also taking into account the fact that the country goes to the polls on August 28. Guyana is racially divided and maybe it appears that once again race will play a big part in these elections. The Guyanese cricket team gave an eloquent display of racial harmony after their win on Sunday night, when I saw fellows hugging each other. The feeling of brotherly love was palpable. I refuse to believe that this spirit of togetherness cannot be emulated by the country at large. So guys, spend your winnings wisely, keep your diamonded fingers crossed and hope that Stanford follows through next year.

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com.