Former West Indies fast bowler now cricket commentator Michael Holding has joined the Stanford 20/20 Board, having attended his first board meeting in Antigua on Monday, 7 May at the personal invitation of Stanford 20/20 creator Sir Allen Stanford.
Holding was unanimously voted in by the Board comprised of Stanford, the 13 other cricket legends, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Rev. Wes Hall, Andy Roberts, Sir Vivian Richards, Lance Gibbs, Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge, and Montserrat Attorney, Ken Allen.
Sir Allen asked Holding to be a part of the Stanford 20/20 initiative from the outset but Holding felt he was unable to commit to the obligations of the Board because of his job as a Sky TV cricket commentator which requires extensive travel.
Holding has been vocal in the past with his concerns about 20/20 Cricket in regards to developing cricket players, but he does not mince words about his respect for the Stanford 20/20 programme.
“The programme that Sir Allen Stanford has developed is amazing and comprehensive. It is much more than just playing 20/20 cricket. It encompasses funding for territorial development and also provides an opportunity for many more players in the region to play in a well organised and competitive tournament.”
“I was extremely humbled by the continuing invitation by Sir Allen to join the Board of distinguished gentlemen that manage this programme. I hope that I can help the project to continue to grow and succeed in the future and I look forward to working with all of the members of the board toward the betterment of cricket in the West Indies.”
“My hesitation to join the board because of my travel, now appears to be an asset,” Holding explained, speaking from London where he is currently commentating on the West Indies tour to England. “Since Stanford 20/20 is now becoming a programme of global interest I will be able to enhance the programme and contribute no matter where I am in the world.”
Holding, like each of the other cricket legends on the board, work with specific countries involved in the tournament in addition to working on the board, helping to make important budgetary and logistical decisions relating to the Tournament and the development programme itself.
“I am extremely pleased to have Michael join us on the Stanford 20/20 Board,” said Sir Allen. “We are well into the planning for the next Tournament, and important decisions need to be made. Michael brings a fresh perspective to the table and we all value his opinion. I am personally looking forward to working with him.”
For more information about the Stanford 20/20 Tournament, call 345.623.8823, email info@Stanford2020.com or log on to www.Stanford2020.com.
