Switch to brighter lights, says Kasper
AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Michael Kasprowicz has called for the topic of the substandard lighting at Riverway Stadium to return to the political agenda.
The long-running issue has been a thorn in the side of cricket in North Queensland, with the current lighting unable to meet broadcasting requirements.
As a result, Townsville is unable to host top-tier matches played into evening hours, leaving other regional centres such as Mackay and Cairns to reap the benefits.
Mackay last week got to dine on international cricket
when Australia and India clashed in a women’s Twenty20 fixture.
In town this week for a Bulls Masters holiday clinic at Riverway, Kasprowicz said while Townsville’s building and Queensland Country Bank Stadium had taken centre stage, it was time for Riverway to return to the limelight.
“Let’s get lights in this thing quick,” he said.
“It’s not only for Twenty20 cricket or men’s cricket, but for women’s cricket as well.
“We’ve seen Mackay benefit so much with those games at (Mackay’s) Barrier Reef Arena.
“You have it all in place here (at Riverway), so I’d love to see it go to another level and see it being recognised as the hub for northern Queensland.”
Riverway already holds day-night matches at a local level, including the Mendi Tropical Big Bash, and various junior matches, but the level of lighting is inadequate for broadcasting standards, meaning elite level day-night matches remain elusive.
Mackay Regional Council last year brokered a threeyear deal with BBL franchise Brisbane Heat which will see the club bring matches to the city during the 2021-22 seasons.
But Mackay is not the only regional city to benefit from high-quality facilities, with Cairns’ Cazlays Stadium also up to a broadcast standard of lighting.
“When I was CEO of Queensland Cricket in 2016 there was discussion around lights for (Riverway Stadium) back then,” Kasprowicz said.
“Twenty20 was going to be in the plans; obviously things changed with new stadiums and all that.
“But I think we’ve seen the benefits of having lights, not only for first-class cricket, but also for the community.”
Kasprowicz joined fellow Bulls Masters Luke Feldman and Charlie Hemphrey for
this week’s school holiday clinic, where more than 80 of the region’s most promising young cricketers were put through their paces.
The clinic ran for three days and was run under the guidance of the Queensland Bulls Masters and Queensland Cricket coaches.
“We’re keeping it really simple so that they can go away and actually selfcoach,” Kasprowicz said.
“You can see them by day three fixing some issues, such as follow through, so it's not technical.
“The purpose is for them is to engage and love their cricket, and have plenty of fun.”