Fifty years of Sabina Park
WHEN THE West Indies take on Pakistan from April 21 to 25 at Sabina Park, it will mark the 50th Test match being played in Jamaica.
“To celebrate the milestone and its significance, several activities will be held duration of game” says Mark Neita, second vice-president and marketing director of the Jamaica Cricket Association.
At the first Test cricket series at Sabina Park 87 years ago, Marylebone Cricket Club went up against the West Indies in the fourth and final Test in the home series. The Test match was known as the timeless game because the match lasted nine day and ended in a draw. The first triple-century in test cricket was scored and the 19-year-old George Headley announced himself to the world by scoring 223.
TREATS FOR FANS
For this year’s series, the Trelawny Stadium will play host to the first games between the Presidents XI and the touring Pakistanis from April 15 to 17. The action will then move to Sabina Park, where lots of activities and treats will be in store for cricket fans.
The players will comprise the current West Indies stars, including Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope and Roston Chase and well-known members of the Pakistan team which is regarded as one of the top cricket teams in world.
For families coming out at the matches at Sabina Park, the children will not be left out of the fun. There will be a kiddies, village on Saturday, April 22 while on Sunday, April 23, the ladies are encouraged to dress in retro clothing including hats. There will also be prizes for the best hats.
There will also be a roll call for Test players who have participated in any of the 50 Test matches at Sabina Park. This will be done during the lunch interval on April 23.
The Gleaner will be mounting an exhibition, depicting in photo the history of Test cricket at Sabina. This will be open to the public for viewing.
The party stand will be open and organisers say that they are encouraging persons to bring their cooler, towels and umbrellas, and watch the games while sitting on the grass areas with their kids, family and friends.
Organisers say that on match days, the cost for entry is $1,900, while season tickets will cost $6,900. Senior citizens are entitled to one free ticket. Children under 12 will be issued one free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket, while mound tickets cost $1,000.