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Commercial League remains in doubt

The future of the Commercial Cricket League remains in doubt after organisers halted this season’s schedule following the withdrawal of two more clubs.

The season began with five teams but Jamaican Association pulled out early on because of a shortage of players and they have now been followed by Bailey’s Bay and Spring Garden Cavaliers, leaving only North Village and Young Men’s Social Club.

Barry Richards, the league president, said he had no alternative but to abandon this season’s schedule, although Village and Social Club have continued to play each other in friendlies.

“I didn’t want it to die. But it’s time to call it a day,” said Richards, who introduced an all-Twenty20 format after the 2012 season. “I’ve tried my best and have put a lot of work into keeping the league going.

“Teams just can’t get enough players. It’s a sign of the times,” Richards added.

Meanwhile, Bay remain on course to complete the Evening Cricket League’s Second Division double.

Having won the league, they eased into next weekend’s knockout final after defeating Blue Fever by eight wickets. Blue Fever made 122 for two in their allotted 20 overs before Bay knocked off the runs with three overs to spare. Bay will face Deloitte in the final on September 5 after Deloitte’s semi-final opponents, the Under-18s, were unable to raise a team and withdrew.

n Plans are in the works to bring back the Champion of Champions competition.

The competition started in 1978 and involved the champions of the three counties but has not been played for more than a decade after losing some of its appeal.

“We have to finalise some details but it is definitely being looked into,” said Gershon Gibbons, a Central Counties official who played in the Champion of Champions with Western Stars.