Hopes for cricket rise

Proposal includes pledge to bring at least 3 international tournaments a year to Broward

Broward County is hoping a local businessman and cricket fan could elevate Central Broward Regional Park to its longsought status as America’s cricket epicenter.

The $70 million Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill has fallen short of expectations since its opening in 2007. Its $10 million cricket stadium is the only one in the country sanctioned for international cricket matches. Yet it has hosted only four international cricket tournaments since it opened.

Encouraged by his vows to turn that around, Broward commissioners Tuesday voted to pursue an agreement with local real estate businessman Krishna Persaud, who wants a license to manage the stadium and try to attract international cricket tournaments.

Persaud so piqued the county’s interest, commissioners said they would consider waiving competitive bidding requirements, if they apply. That way, the county could negotiate with Persaud without considering other offers.

The facility, at the intersection of State Road 7 and Sunrise Boulevard, has been dubbed a “white elephant’’ in the past, sitting empty amid a sea of vacant parking spots. Commissioner Chip LaMarca said that’s “not what this is. That is not what this should be.’’

Mayor Barbara Sharief said she brought the proposal forward because, “I believe this gentleman can pull this off.’’

Persaud, a real estate businessman, said he grew up in the Caribbean and holds “a deep passion for the sport.’’

He said he possesses the knowledge and wherewithal to book the cricket tournaments, and is willing to risk the significant sums necessary to host a major tournament. He said he’s also pursuing a Caribbean Premier League team franchise to “embed’’ at the stadium and play home games there.

“I have the means to do it,’’ he told commissioners. The park, which has practice fields, a stadium, a water park, a library and a performing arts center, would continue to be used by those using it now, his lobbyist John Milledge assured commissioners.

Under the proposed license agreement, cricket players would deal with Persaud’s company, Worldwide Sports Management Group, to continue playing. Fees would remain as they are now, unless the event they’re holding would draw more than 2,000 people, in which case fees would be negotiated, the draft agreement says.

The company would pay rent to the county, although the amount is yet to be determined. And Persaud would promise at least three international tournaments a year.

“There is now the opportunity for Broward County to realize the dream of those who planned and built this great facility,’’ Persaud wrote to the county on Wednesday. He said his group includes “local cricket legends Lawrence Rowe, Ramnaresh Sarwan and other distinguished business and civic leaders.’’