PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Leading Caribbean and international cricketers say they are encouraged by the massive show of support from fans around the region for the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier league (LCPL).

"To get such a huge turn-out in the (Limacol) CPL is fantastic! The only other place where you get these sorts of crowds is in the IPL (Indian Premier League)," declared Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle.

bigger and better

"So (the Limacol CPL) ranks right up there with the other tournaments, which is really great to see. I am really happy that things have progressed, and it can only get bigger and better from here on."

Officials say the CPL is set to finish with a bang after it was confirmed that the two semi-finals and final at the Queen's Park Oval are sold out.

"In international games this year (in the Caribbean) and in the years before, we (the West Indies) have not got this type of support and this type of crowd," said Barbados Tridents captain, Kieron Pollard.

"It is good for us as cricketers and good for the Caribbean people, and hopefully, it can continue and get bigger."

Organisers say the 'full house' signs going up for the three matches confirm a trend that has been clear throughout the event involving six regional franchises that began on July 30.

That trend has included, most recently, sell-outs on successive days at Sabina Park, Jamaica last weekend, and the first-ever sell-out at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua last Saturday.