Wright

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Lyndel 'Muddy' Wright said he is not too surprised by William 'Billy' Heaven's recent announcement that he intends to challenge for the JCA presidency later this year.

Wright, who defeated businessman Paul Campbell for the post two years ago, said this stemmed from the fact that there are always persons who have ambitions of running national cricket.

"These things never surprise me," said Wright.

"I have been around cricket long enough to know that there will always be people with a desire to lead the JCA.

"It is for you as the leader to always be prepared and ready for the challenge, and based on the work that my administration has put in, I believe we are," he added.

Heavens, the present head of the JCA Finance and Audit Committee and CEO of the state-governed Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, in announcing his plans to run, said he hoped to breathe new life in the administration of cricket nationally.

He said top among his list of priorities will be to - among other things, raise the profile of the organisation by forging better linkages within various sector groups in the country, including the business community.

However, according to Wright, his administration since taking over has been making strides, including within the business community and as time progresses, he expects things to get even better.

"From we have taken over the administration of cricket we have seen where we have had progress," said Wright.

"We have had sponsorship to the tune of $38.5 million between May 2011 and August 2012.

"Another area we could look at is player management where we have seen our top female cricketer Stafanie Taylor, through a JCA initiative, have been able to receive contracts with Western Sports, through the brand of Puma, and with Hi-Lyte Sports Drink, for which she is an ambassador.

"So we are working and will continue to work for the development of our cricket and our cricketers," he added.

The JCA is set to have its annual general meeting and election of officers in October.