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KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sabina Park, the hallowed turf of West Indian cricket, has received a major technological upgrade.
A state-of-the-art LED electronic scoreboard, a gift from the Government of India, was officially unveiled at the historic venue on Sunday.
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the island, pulled back the curtain on the scoreboard during a ceremony at the ground.
Dr Jaishankar also revealed the newly minted India-Jamaica friendship logo, symbolising the deepening ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness led the chorus of gratitude, expressing deepest appreciation to the government and people of India for their “generous contribution and steadfast commitment to the development of cricket on Jamaican shores.”
“The scoreboard itself is a timely addition to Sabina Park, particularly as Jamaica prepares to return to the Caribbean Premier League this summer with our own new local franchise, the Jamaica Kingsmen,” Dr Holness said.
The Prime Minister also reminded the audience that India’s support for Jamaican cricket is not new. In January 2024, the Indian government donated more than 90 cricket kits, valued at approximately US$50,000, to the Jamaica Cricket Association, which were distributed among primary and secondary schools across the island.
“In 2014, India provided grant assistance of US$2.1 million for the installation of floodlights at this very ground. India has been a consistent and generous partner in building the infrastructure of Jamaican sports, and we are most grateful,” Dr Holness added.
Beyond the hardware, the Prime Minister emphasised the cultural bond between the two cricketing nations. He noted that the new friendship logo speaks to the “warmth, longevity and creativity” of the relationship, one forged not in diplomatic halls but through a shared love of cricket.
“Nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated than in the mutual admiration our two nations hold for each other’s great players. Indian cricket fans share Jamaica’s deep affection for the universe boss, Chris Gayle. Jamaican fans, in turn, have long revered the little master, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sabina Park has its own history with him,” Dr Holness said.
In his remarks, Dr Jaishankar echoed those sentiments, stating that the scoreboard will enhance the love for the game and the comfort with which people watch it.
He pointed out that Jamaican cricketers are cheered by Indian crowds as if they are their own.
“The last time India played at Sabina Park was in 2017. I hope today’s ceremony plants the seeds for the return of Indian cricketers to walk into this ground again and to add new chapters to our cricketing history,” Dr Jaishankar shared.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to keeping Sabina Park at the forefront of modern cricket.
“We have expended significant resources to Sabina Park, fit for modern cricket. We installed new lights last year that enabled Sabina Park to, for the first time, host day and night Test and T20 matches,” she said.
Minister Grange added that Jamaica is grateful to receive the scoreboard, which will further modernise the venue.
“Working with all the stakeholders, we will enable and inspire more great moments right here at Sabina Park. We are committed to the success of our sports development plan, which aims to develop all sports from the grassroots to the high-performance level,” she said.
(CMC)
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