The West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Four-day First-class season bowls off on Friday with the WICB calling for a harmonious relationship among all stakeholders on and off the field of play. The WICB is also calling on all fans to support the game and particularly assist in the WICB’s effort to collect data on the use of the pink ball and its effect on spectator viewing.

Dr Julian Hunte, President of the WICB, called on everyone involved to give of their best, but also to respect the game and others involved, and to be good ambassadors for West Indies cricket.

“The season promises to be an exciting one and we are really looking forward to some tough, hard and competitive cricket on the field and positive support and enjoyment by the fans off the field. We urge the players to play in the true spirit of the game and have respect for self, respect for others and respect for the game. We know the competition will be fierce but cricket remains the ‘gentleman’s game’ and the game must be respected. In the Caribbean we are fortunate to have a group of excellent match officials who will be in charge so we know the game will be in good hands,” Dr Hunte noted.

“Cricket is a powerful force in the West Indies and it has helped to unite the people of the region. We have a responsibility to make sure that the people, who love this great game, feel a part of what is happening on the field as they watch from beyond the boundary. We intend to bring the game back to the people and have them participate in a major way.”

Dr. Hunte explained that the WICB will continue to look at ways of reinvigorating the game and will try new ways and approaches.

The Tournament will feature seven rounds of matches with the first round being played in Jamaica starting on Friday. The first round fixtures are: Jamaica vs Windward Islands at Chedwin Park; Barbados facing the Leeward Islands at Kensington Park; and Trinidad and Tobago going up against Combined Campuses and Colleges at Jarrett Park. Guyana is the other team in the tournament and they have a bye in the first round. Play will start at 10 am.

One of the highlights this season will be use of pink balls in four matches which will be played under lights. These games will be: Trinidad and Tobago vs Guyana at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua (January 15-18); Barbados vs Windward Islands at Kensington Oval (January 29 to February 1); Combined Campuses and Colleges vs Jamaica at Guyana National Stadium (February 12-15) and Combined Campuses vs Leeward Islands at Beausejour, St Lucia (February 26 to March 1). These matches will start at 1 pm.