Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president Lyndel Wright believes one of the pluses of artificial lights at Sabina Park is that it will aid in player development.

Pointing to trends in regional and international cricket where matches are increasingly being played at nights, Wright said a floodlit Sabina Park stand will help better prepare players for night matches.

"Jamaica has not had a lighted venue in years and this has somewhat inhibited our players and prevented them from getting the sort of acclimatisation needed to play night cricket," said Wright.

Signed agreement

"We, therefore, welcome the signing of an agreement with Consolidated Energy Partners (CEP) for floodlights to be installed over the next couple of weeks," he added.

The agreement, which was signed on Tuesday between CEP, a local firm, and Sabina Park Holdings, will see the lights being installed with the assistance of General Electric (GE).

The installation is expected to be completed in time for Jamaica's staging of matches in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tournament.

The CPL, which will have its player auction and team-naming ceremony later this month, will be held between June 29 and August 26.

"We look forward in anticipation of the installation of the lighting being completed in time for Jamaica's hosting of matches in the CPL," said Wright.

showcase talents

"It promises to be a great tournament and is expected to provide our young players with an opportunity to showcase their talents across the world."

The installation will see GE, a major supplier of artificial lights in North America, providing the expertise and the supplies that will be needed to complete the venue.

It is estimated that the installation will cost between US$1.5 and $2 million.