Hurricanes could spell big trouble

An above-average hurricane season in the Caribbean could spell trouble for building and renovation efforts at 12 stadiums selected to host matches for the 2007 cricket World Cup, the event’s managing director said.

Construction crews are aiming to finish work at stadiums in nine countries by the year end. The 51-match tournament, which will be held for the first time in the Caribbean, is expected to draw about 100,000 people.

Officials have backup plans to substitute a venue in case a tropical storm damages a stadium beyond repair, but a bad hurricane could be devastating, said Chris Dehring, who is overseeing the sport’s biggest event for the ICC.

“There is virtually nothing you can do, but wait and see what happens during hurricane season and hope for the best,” Dehring said.