I think the whole Stanford affair has been totally misconceived, and is the result of the ECB hurriedly trying to cuddle up to someone with money to cushion them from the upcoming period of ICB financial dominance. Funnily enough, it’s a literal ‘cuddle up’ (Stanford on Mrs Prior) that looks as though it will be the ultimate catalyst that prompts the ECB to end the relationship.
When Stanford first appeared on the radar I, along with many other bloggers, gave him a very positive reception because it seemed that his number one aim was to secure the future of West Indies cricket – always a worthy cause. Sadly, there’s been a heavy price to pay for his largesse.
I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised at Stanford’s flair for self-promotion. He’s an American billionaire from the state of Texas, and as we have painfully learned from the man in the White House, Texans don’t do subtle or understated – even transplanted Ivy League Texans from Maine.
However, I think we need to be careful and not throw the baby out with the bathwater in terms of reaction to the ongoing circus we’re seeing in Antigua. After all, there’s no denying that 20/20 is a genuinely popular format which can bring a whole new audience to the game.
(Click here to know more about Mark)