A match being played at Providence Stadium on the day of the ICC Venue Tour on November 16. - Contributed

DESPITE CONCERNS regarding the pitch and field, officials on the ICC Venue Tour have applauded the work of Guyana's Local Organising Committee (LOC) at Providence Stadium. ICC CWC 2007 venue development director, Donald Lockerbie, expressed satisfaction with the work done so far, but made no bones about the state of the pitch and outfield after Thursday's visit, stressing that component has some way to go.

He added that the best expertise in Guyana and the region will be utilised to get the field "green, hard and fast." This can be done in the required time, he assured. Chris Dehring, managing director and CEO of ICC CWC 2007, marvelled that "what was but a canefield at the Providence site 2 1/2 years ago, has become a fantastic stadium."

However, he too, cautioned there is still a lot to be done.

He urged the LOC to continue tackling their challenges, stating that Guyanese should see Providence Stadium as a national symbol. Dehring called on the people of this host venue to support the LOC in its quest to fulfil Guyana's commitment to next year's ICC Cricket World Cup.

Rooms registered

In terms of accommodation, Dehring said he is comfortable that Guyana will meet its requirements. He said the completion of Buddy's International Hotel is important. That project is aiming for a year-end opening which he is confident it will achieve.

To date, Dehring added, a thousand rooms in Guyanese homes have been registered for the tournament's bed and breakfast programme. More than 30 persons made up the ICC Venue Tour contingent that visited Guyana; representing key areas and/or stakeholders, including media and broadcast, pitch and field, cricket operations, sponsors, venue development and the event authority - the International Cricket Council (ICC). Those on the ICC Venue Tour were also taken to Guyana's practice venues, Everest Cricket Club and Georgetown Cricket Club, where Dr. Francis Lopez, of CWC's Sports Agronomy Team, congratulated ground staff on their excellent work.

At the conclusion of the tour, Lockerbie said Guyana - which will host the Super Eight matches from March 27 to April 10 next year - has met the challenge of being a host venue and that the country's LOC is committed to high standards.