The Press Box

[Welwyn]

Danish Quick Kings off to Anglesey?
​

Two Danish stars are expected to be announced as part of the Ynys Mon Islanders squad for 2003 later this week. Fast bowlers Felix Nørregaard & Martin Lundgren are rumored to have been recruited by the BCC to be the overseas players for the Islanders side to help with development of a squad that is considered a psuedo-development squad within the Welsh first class structure.

A source within Welsh Cricket has suggested that they had originally hoped to recruit Felix Nørregaard, luring him with the captaincy that has been vacated by Kev Moore moving to Newport with son Steffan. However, it was Nørregaard himself that suggested he would be able to bring Lundgren, who is considered one of the fastest bowler in world cricket, with him.

Question marks have been raised as to how much it has taken for the BCC to get the pair, who have almost 200 Test wickets between them, to play for the Anglesey-based side. With critics wondering if it involves some of funds that have been received as part of the deal to set up a multi-million pound facility with Aberystwyth University. Especially seeing as the new Danish T20 competition means there are questions marks as to whether either will be involved in the entirety of the Brains One-Day Cup.

 

[World Cricket Conference]

Canada rule the Test world; all set to return to No. 1 following Nations League triumph
Their win in the Nations League Final in Kandy secured their first international cricketing honors since the formation of the World Cricket Conference​

Martin Terry draped in the Canadian flag, receives a hug from Amish Bakshi © World Cricket Conference, February 23, 2003​

In a riveting final showdown at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Martin Terry's Canada scripted a historic chapter in their cricketing lore by defeating England and taking home the 2003 WCC Nations League title in a hard-fought, nail-biting encounter, filled with twists and turns of all kinds. Canada's win in the Nations League Final in Kandy secured their first international cricketing honors since the formation of the World Cricket Conference itself, let alone Cricket Canada.

Led by the exceptional leadership of captain Martin Terry, Canada showcased their mettle throughout the tournament, notably dismantling European teams on their path to glory. Their journey to the title was marked by resounding victories over formidable opponents like Wales, Guernsey, Denmark, and eventually England in the final.

Martin Terry's unmatched display of all-round brilliance proved instrumental in Canada's triumph. Amassing a staggering 693 runs, the highest individual tally in the tournament, while also claiming 20 wickets, Terry's contributions were the backbone of Canada's success. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Match awards in all four of Canada's victorious encounters, solidifying his status as one, if not the, Greatest of All Time.

However, Canada's path to victory was far from smooth sailing, with England proving to be formidable adversaries. In a thrilling encounter, England's Richard Carolyne showcased his bowling wizardry, claiming a remarkable 6-wicket haul in Canada's second innings, injecting a sense of uncertainty into the match.

Despite a valiant effort by the English side, led by captain Richard Head's breathtaking innings of 165 runs during the run-chase, they fell agonizingly short of the ultimate prize. The closely contested finale saw England fight tooth and nail, displaying immense resilience until the very last moments of the match.

Although Canada emerged triumphant, the 2003 WCC Nations League Final highlighted the remarkable spirit of cricket, with both teams demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship and skill on and off the field. While Canada celebrated their historic milestone as only the second team to win the coveted title, England can take pride in their remarkable journey as underdogs, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level of international cricket and be worthy challengers.

The 2003 WCC Nations League Final will be remembered as a testament to the enduring allure of cricket, where moments of brilliance and heart-stopping drama captivate audiences worldwide. As the nation of Canada falls in love with cricket all over again, basking in the glory of their historic Nations League victory, the tournament serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite nations and inspire future generations of cricketers around the globe.

 

[Welwyn]

Anger over 'mis-use of funds'
​

Some observers are raising concerns about how the funds from the 'multi-millon pound deal' that led to the creation of the Aberystwyth Avengers are being used by the Welsh governing body after the first-class squads were announced last week.

While news of a state of the art facility in mid-Wales have been welcomed, there has been questioned asked about how much of the money is being funneled into the infrastructure after some of the world's biggest international stars were announced in the domestic squads.

Not only is England star, WG Charles named in the Avengers squad, he was joined by Bermudan star, Wendell Corden-Cox, who will be staring against Wales on next weeks tour. As well as this, the Avengers squad includes two of Charles' family members and the two sons of 80's England star all-rounder, Ian Beef. All four of them qualify as domestic players due to Welsh parentage.

Other eyebrows have been raised at the announcement of two of the world's best bowlers, Denmark's Felix Nørregaard and Martin Lundgren, being announced in the Islanders squad, despite not being available for any of the Brains One-Day Cup.

One anonymous source at another club called it a 'mis-use of funds' to sign them and they 'would certainly be on a pretty penny to come here for the summer, as would Corden-Cox'.

Another source took aim at the fact that so many players who qualify as domestic, may not be available for the national team;

"We have WG Charles' twins and Ian Beef's sons, both of whom I would imagine would see themselves as English. Then we have the ludicrous situation where Abertawe (PR) have two dual-citizens (Dylan Fakatou & Rhys Mitimiti) who are openly stating that they would reject a call-up and Ducky's cousin (Trevor Donald) in Colwyn Bay, who could choose Vanuatu over us. We have a crazy situation where we have increased the teams and yet on a week to week basis, may well have less players each week who could play for the national team.'

 

[mohsin7827]

Qatar has joined the list of countries hosting their own T20 competition

Qatar has joined the list of countries hosting their own T20 competition, with the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) announcing the launch of the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed on Thursday, and the first edition of the league is set to take place this month.

Reflecting on this development, QCA chief executive Hani Taleb Ballan stated that four teams, including 60 Qatari and 8 foreign cricketers, will play a total of 16 matches in the first-ever QSL. He also mentioned that the league will follow a regular season and playoff format, with each team having a chance to claim the trophy.

In an interview with Peninsula Sports, Ballan further revealed that there were divided thoughts among the board members regarding the league. The new format of cricket is still in its early stages, and there were discussions about whether it would be well-received by traditional cricket fans. There were also discussions about scheduling the league during the Amir Cup Qatar First Class cricket competition on weekends, but ultimately, the QCA decided to hold it during the free season in April. The two-week-long competition will begin in the third week of April, and the QCA hopes it will attract fans and be well-received.
To ensure the success of the league, the QCA has also extended the opening hours of the parks in all four stadiums and is planning various expos. Additionally, children up to the age of seven will have free passes to attend the matches.

Below is a list of foreign players participating in the league:
Al Daayen: Khuzaimah Rasheed (Saudi Arabia), Vincent Garae (Vanuatu)
Doha: Moses Kintaro (Marshall Islands), Abelard Tommy (Vanuatu)
Al Rayyan: Sok Se-Yoon (North Korea), Archie Rogers (Australia)
Al Khor: Ankara Messi (Argentina), Colin Joseph (Guyana)

Peninsula Sports
​

 

[Welwyn]

A Logo of Waste
​

Those that are questioning Welsh Cricket's use of funds in the increase of international stars in domestic cricket were up in arms this week as Ynys Mon Islanders received a new logo.

New Islanders logo


'A complete waste of money' was one retort whilst another went further calling it a 'fraud' on the Welsh Cricketing public. Saying that the design team Ais Labie Ltd. have benefitted from money that would be much better used elsewhere.

There were some, more positive comments, with the Islanders fan club calling it a 'vast improvement'.

BCC's official comment is only to say that the redesign has 'long been in the works' and was 'part of the structural changes to the domestic system'.

 

[Paranoid Kendroid]

Martin Lundgren set to retire from international cricket
following the Cricket World Cup
April 15, 2003

With 170 wickets across all international formats, Martin Lundgren is among the top bowlers in the world.
​

Premier fast-bowler and Knockout Trophy winner Martin Lundgren has announced his retirement from international cricket following the Cricket World Cup to be held towards the fag end of the year. "Perhaps I have overstayed my welcome but I always gave my 100% irrespective of the opponent or situation."

Lundgren was part of the lineup who were involved in Denmark's international debut. While he started on a good note, his performances weren't optimal and after a poor domestic season, he was unceremoniously dropped from the squad for 2000's India tour of Denmark. But surprisingly, he was recalled for the Knockout Trophy. And it was a move which paid rich dividends as the (then) 13th-ranked ODI nation usurped over some of the biggest names in cricket like South Africa and Canada to win their maiden WCC tournament. Lundgren played a pivotal role in the win with 8 wickets along with Noah Bendtsen (10). It was a testament to his fitness and work ethic to overcome poor form and deliver at the biggest stage. And he made the year 2000 more memorable for Denmark fans by winning the European Championship less than 2 months later. Needless to say he has been a regular for Denmark across formats since then.

The Lundgren-Nørregaard bowling partnership has been a stable of Danish cricket since time immemorial but the year would mark its end. How has Felix responded to the news? "He said to me "Now how I'll get any wickets. You building the pressure on batters is the reason why I get scalps at the other end". This is our fifth year and he is like a little brother to me always asking for advice even though he is the better bowler. He is very supportive of me and has always helped in the dark times like when I was out of the international side. I'll miss bowling with him and even though I'm senior than him in age, he will always be the bigger bowler for me."

Lundgren further added, "I am grateful to my coaches and captains for trusting me and always helping me when I feel down. I wouldn't be the same without all of your support. Also to the fans for putting their faith and giving so much love to me and the team. Without me, Danish Cricket will be the same. Without it, I would be nothing."

So, what is in store for Martin Lundgren in his next chapter of life? "At the moment, my only focus is the Cricket World Cup. I haven't made much plans for what I'll be doing after. I will still play domestic cricket as I have made a promise to the Hovedstaden fans that I will win them the FC championship. And after all of this, I will probably go back to my village in Herlev and work on my farms with my family. The yield has been good this year so I am excited."

 

[Welwyn]

Foreign Bust-Ups may open up the Princes' Gate
​

Aberystwyth Avengers star Bermudian, Wendell Corden-Cox has left Wales before their home game against Bae Colwyn Pirates this week after rumours of a bust-up with Captain/part-owner William George Charles.

The official explanation is that Corden-Cox has left because of a side-strain picked up in the small run chase against Raja Caerdydd, meaning he will miss both the next two rounds before the Championship breaks up before the 2003 EUROCON Euro Cup. However, reports suggest that Cordon-Cox was apoplectic that Charles', who will miss the last two rounds of the Princes' Gate championship due to the 'Auld Enemy' ODI series between England and Scotland, wanted to pay the Bermudian extra to pull out of the NASACU Americas Championship and stay in Wales for those last two games.

However, the Pre-season favourites and Brains One-Day Cup winners are not the only ones coping with bust-ups as leaders Abertawe PR are dealing with their own issues as star keeper-batsman Haitrosene Vemoa is apparently not speaking to captain Tom Donald after their draw against Newport Exiles when they finished just 15 runs short of winning before running out of time despite Vemoa's late hitting. Niuean star Vemoa looked upset in the pavilion as Dewi Hemp scratched around for a 63-ball 10 and it appears Vemoa felt that he should have been elevated above Hemp for the chase and feels it has cost PR 14 points.

While there are no signs that Vemoa is going to miss the game in Anglesey against Ynys Mon Islanders this week, the last straw appears to be the rumour that he will now bat below back-up keeper Tony Davey in that game as Donald wants to get a good look at Davey before the final three games of the season where Abertawe will be missing both Vemoa and Duken Talaiti due to their own national team duties.

 

[ahmedleo414]

The Dynasty of Terry: Canada's Rise to Cricketing Supremacy

In the hallowed halls of cricketing history, there emerges a tale of resilience, determination, and unparalleled success - a tale that belongs to none other than Team Canada. Led by their visionary captain, Martin Terry, Canada has ascended to the pinnacle of cricketing greatness, establishing themselves as the undisputed champions of the sport.

Their journey began with a triumph in the WCC Nations League, a test cricket tournament where Canada's dominance was on full display. With Terry at the helm, Canada emerged victorious, claiming the coveted title and ascending to the pinnacle of the test cricket rankings.

But their quest for cricketing supremacy did not end there. With their sights set on conquering the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket, Canada set their sights on a formidable opponent: South Africa, the reigning number one ranked ODI team.

The series began with a statement of intent from Canada as they secured a convincing victory in the first match against South Africa. Led by their talismanic captain, Terry, Canada showcased their prowess on the international stage, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

However, the path to glory was not without its challenges. In the second match of the series, Canada suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of South Africa, leaving many doubters questioning their ability to compete at the highest level.

But true champions are defined by their ability to rise from adversity, and rise they did. In the final and deciding match of the series, Canada delivered a masterclass in cricketing excellence, led by their premier spinner, Shawnte McCullock. With precision and skill, McCullock wreaked havoc on the South African batting lineup, claiming four crucial wickets and turning the tide in Canada's favor.

As the match drew to a close, it was Fredric Baron who delivered the final blows, guiding Canada to a resounding victory with five wickets and 45 deliveries remaining. The celebrations that followed were a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief of every member of the Canadian cricket team.

With their triumph over South Africa, Canada now stands atop the ODI rankings, cementing their status as the number one ranked team in the world. The dynasty of Terry has begun, and there is no telling how far Canada will soar under the leadership of their captain and the collective brilliance of their team.

As they bask in the glory of their achievements, one thing is certain: the rise of Canada in the world of cricket is a testament to the power of belief, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. And as they continue their journey towards cricketing immortality, the world watches in awe, knowing that the dynasty of Terry has only just begun.

 

[Paranoid Kendroid]

When An Unstoppable Force Meets An Immovable Object:

Denmark and

Guernsey's journey to Euro Cup triumph

Aksel Johansson and Tom Nightingale sharing the cup​

It's not everyday that you see two teams being declared the joint-winners of a competition. But Denmark and Guernsey showed everyone that sometimes there are no winners or losers at the end of a game. Guernsey's path to triumph was a display of pure domination as they wreaked havoc against every opposition they faced except Denmark. When Kylian Michiels scored the maiden double-century of ODI cricket against Norway, it set the precedent of what was about to follow. Israel had to face off against an inspire Ryan Edwards and a drive Tom Nightingale. Wales were clueless against Harrison Willis' off-spin. England had to face an embarrassing loss in the semi-final as Ryan Edwards was once again upto his mark.

Denmark mainly relied on Chris Fredriksson for bowling who took three consecutive 4-fers in the group stage. Aksel Johansson's century against Norway and Guernsey were sensational while Chris Mattsson's 184* against Italy made the others players take notice. Norway gave a strong fight with Tobias Jørgensen and Håkon Kaldefoss making the Danish fans skip a heartbeat. But the Danish bowlers did enough to eke out a close but good win.

The final turned out to be an absolute blockbuster as both teams produced excellent displays with Denmark being in a more friendly position towards the backend but Harrison Willis held his nerve to give Guernsey their first EUROCON title even if it was shared with Denmark, who now had three titles, one of which was in the Test format. After seeing how the match ended, it was fittingly decided to name more than one Player-of-the-Tournament in the form of Kylian Michiels and Aksel Johansson.

The Denmark-Guernsey rivalry produced another enthralling chapter and will hopefully, continue to do so.

 

[Till Valhalla]

"Rumors Swirl: Niue Immigration Set to Deny Visas, Dashing World Cup Dreams"

In a stunning twist that has set the cricketing world ablaze with speculation, rumors abound that the immigration authorities of the picturesque island nation of Niue are poised to deny visas to several players from participating nations, casting a shadow over their World Cup aspirations. These whispers of potential visa denials have sparked a frenzy of debate about the moral and ethical standards upheld by Niue and their impact on the sporting landscape.
Word on the grapevine suggests that Niue's immigration authorities are scrutinizing the backgrounds of players from Denmark, England, South Africa, Guernsey, and Vanuatu, with intentions to deny them entry based on alleged moral and ethical infractions. If these rumors hold true, it could spell disaster for the affected players and their respective national teams, throwing their World Cup campaigns into disarray.

Among those rumored to face visa denials is Aksel Johansson of Denmark, whose reputation for ego and attitude issues precedes him. It is rumored that Johansson's past behavior has raised concerns about his suitability as a role model for Niue's youth, prompting authorities to consider denying him entry.

Similarly, William George Charles of England, known for his tumultuous history of attitude problems, is said to be among those at risk of being barred from entering Niue. Charles' past conduct, including his refusal to play domestic cricket due to disciplinary issues, has reportedly run afoul of Niue's standards for sportsmanship and ethical behavior, leading authorities to question his eligibility for a visa.

For South Africa, the potential denial of visas to the Struwig Brothers, embroiled in internal disputes that saw one brother orchestrating the ousting of the other from the domestic team, could deal a devastating blow to their World Cup hopes. The brothers' troubled relationship has raised concerns about their ability to represent their country responsibly on the international stage, prompting Niue authorities to consider denying them entry.

Guernsey's Tom Nightingale, alleged to have spearheaded a coup against the previous successful captain, is also rumored to be on Niue's blacklist. Nightingale's role in destabilizing Guernsey's cricketing leadership has raised questions about his character and suitability as a participant in the World Cup, prompting Niue authorities to weigh their options carefully.

Additionally, Kensi Iwai from Vanuatu is rumored to be facing a visa denial. Iwai's failure to perform on the field led to a public outcry where he attempted to shift blame onto the management, staging a dramatic display of tears in front of the media. Niue authorities are reportedly taking a dim view of Iwai's behavior and considering denying him entry to the World Cup.

While these rumors have yet to be confirmed, the mere possibility of visa denials has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. Questions swirl about the motives behind Niue's potential actions and the implications for the integrity of international sporting competitions. As the speculation mounts and tensions rise, the cricketing world braces for the fallout from what could be a seismic shake-up on the road to the World Cup.




​

 

[Supreme General]

Charles Snubs England



England star William George Charles is a massive omission from his country’s squad to play the USA this summer. Instead, he is off to the Club World Cup with the Welsh Brains OD cup champions, the Aberystwyth Avengers, who he is captain and co-owner of. A statement released by the ECB chairman Adam Smith said “ We are disappointed to not have access to one of our best players for these upcoming series we are hosting against the USA cricket team in their return to International cricket as we wish to see the best players play at all times to give the fans who have paid good money, what they want. As well as that, we gave the green light on William to start his venture in Wales on the basis he wouldn’t put his England commitments as secondary. However, after some discussions with the Wales Cricket Board and William himself, we were forced to back down on the issue and grant him a leave of absence due to the special nature of the event in question but made it clear that any other situations would not be permitted. We wish him all the best for the competition but ofc not as good of luck as our lot and look forward to some great cricket in our white ball matches against the USA while seeing some fresh new faces join the team.” These sentiments were repeated by the England national team head coach Supreme General, “ He’s a massive blow to our middle order as he is our star player but it was hard to deny that the Club World Cup would be a cruel thing for him to miss especially after that hard work he’s put into that franchise. And it gives me the chance to give some other lads ago which I’m looking forward to”. The public are obviously outraged at this supposed snub and lack of patriotism on Charles’ behalf. Also the fact that, the ECB let it happen and only time will tell if it festers into anything bigger.

 

[Paranoid Kendroid]

Dansk-Cricket Union unveil newly upgraded stadiums as
Denmark brace themselves for hosting the Club World Cup

July 01, 2003

This decision was welcomed by many.
​

Dansk Cricket-Union (DCU) have announced that all the six international cricket stadiums, which will host matches in the Club World Cup, have been renovated.

These six stadiums, namely, are Copenhagen, Albertslund, Nykøbing Mors, Roskilde, Vejle and Viborg.

The work had been ongoing since January 2002 and has finally reached completion. The DCU have also been working on new stadiums as they plan on increasing the domestic cricket clubs to 8. Sources said that we could be seeing the 2 new teams and the larger fixtures from 2004 or 2005.

 

[mohsin7827]

Saudi Arabia Cricket allows Khuzaimah Rasheed to be parts of 2003 Club World Cup

Saudi Arabia Cricket has allowed Khuzaimah Rasheed to be a part of the Al Daayen squad for this year's Club World Cup. He was previously included in the squad for Saudi Arabia's tour of Israel as the captain in the absence of regular captain Mohsin Tunio, who is leading his club side JEDDAH in the Club World Cup. Al Daayen reached out to them via the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) and requested a NOC for Rasheed.

He has had a prolific year in Qatar, scoring a total of 908 runs and taking 50 wickets while playing for Al Daayen. He was also named the MVP of Qatar's T20 competition, the Qatar Stars League (QSL). This development not only strengthens the relationship between QCA and Saudi Arabia Cricket, but also shows that international cricket can coexist with club cricket under the right circumstances.

QCA seems to be taking a non-conventional route by fully embracing club cricket and it is expected that the squad announcement for the Arab Cup will follow this trend, potentially causing regular players to miss international fixtures for the first time due to the overlapping schedules of both tournaments.

 

[Till Valhalla]

Statement from Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board

The Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board (NCKB) would like to address the recent rumors circulating regarding potential visa denials for certain players from participating nations in the upcoming World Cup. While we cannot confirm the intentions of Niue Immigration at this time, we wish to emphasize that NCKB will fully respect and support any decision made by Niue Immigration regarding visa applications.

It is important to note that the integrity of international sporting competitions must be upheld, and Niue Immigration has the authority to make decisions in accordance with their policies and regulations. As such, NCKB stands ready to comply with and adhere to any determinations made by Niue Immigration regarding player visas for the World Cup.

Furthermore, NCKB would like to take this opportunity to address another matter of importance. It has come to our attention that the Israel cricket team is scheduled to participate in the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Niue and New Zealand. We regret to inform the cricketing community that Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board will not be forwarding visa applications from the Israel Cricket Team to Niue Immigration.

This decision is based on our recent experience with the Israel cricket team during the Nations League, where circumstances led to our regrettable participation in matches held in Israel. Given the rushed nature of our involvement in the Nations League, we did not have adequate time to thoroughly assess the situation. However, in the case of the World Cup, NCKB is taking proactive measures to ensure that the integrity and values of our sport are upheld.

We have been informed by Niue Immigration that even if visa applications for the Israel cricket team are submitted from elsewhere, they will be rejected. Therefore, NCKB wishes to make it clear that we will not be facilitating the participation of the Israel cricket team in the upcoming World Cup.

As stewards of cricket in Niue, NCKB remains committed to promoting fair play, sportsmanship, and inclusivity within our sport. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the cricketing community as we navigate these important matters.​

 

[World Cricket Conference]

World Cricket Conference in a standoff with Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board
Tensions rise after Niue Immigration vows to deny visas for certain players and teams for the Cricket World Cup later this year​

The Cricket World Cup at the Hakupu National Ground earlier this year © Associated Press, January 12, 2003​

A small office clerk present during the World Cricket Conference meeting held last month at the Berlin headquarters has spilled details alleging there being serious animosity between the Conference and the Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board regarding statements passed by Niue Immigration. It is believed that the majority of the Executive Board is unhappy with Niue Immigration's policy regarding visa approval, and even more unhappy with the Niue Cricket & Kilikiti Board basically coming out to not only defend, but actively endorse their decision, which has left the Logistics and Organization Committee for the Cricket World Cup in a state of frenzy.

It was revealed that WCC President Müller Schwanstegger (who presided over this meeting) was visibly regretful of having awarded Niue the hosting rights for the tournament. The Conference was extremely optimistic that the debut of a tournament of such magnitude was going to change cricket's perspective among the wider audiences ahead of its debut at the Olympic Games next year, making the sport a household game. Niue however, have rained all over their parade with such a needlessly petty policy regarding visa approval, which not only presents an organizational headache, but also colors the tournament with unneeded controversy.

In the meeting, the President of Moroccan Cricket Federation suggested that the Cricket World Cup be moved to a completely different country, pitching Vanuatu as replacement hots for Niue. While the pitch was met with indifference early on, the idea slowly caught on with countries from Africa as well as the Arab world chiming in to support the MCF President's suggestion. Morocco hold a great deal of political sway in both Africa and the Arab world, so this hardly comes as a surprise.

However, the World Cricket Conference were vehement that they could find a workaround to this issue by having the nations singled-out by Niue immigration play their matches solely in New Zealand, citing the lack of time to re-do all logistics for the tournament (if it were to move to a different country altogether) an impossible task.

With a little over 60 days left until the big event, the Conference have found themselves in the middle of a rock and a hard place. Whatever happens next, one thing is certain, Niue are going to be hard-pressed into retracting their initial statement and stance for the tournament to go ahead swiftly and without any hindrances.