THE Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has apologised to Ambassador Courtney Walsh for the unfortunate incident which took place at Sabina Park last Friday when the legendary former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer was barred from entering a section of the venue.

“This incident no doubt has caused Ambassador Walsh a great degree of embarrassment for which we unreservedly apologise,” the statement from the JCA yesterday, said.

The Jamaica Observer understands that Walsh, who has the northern bowling end of the Sabina venue named in his honour, attempted to gain access to the elevators at the North Stand, but was prevented by security personnel at the venue.

It is reported that security personnel was adamant that the 50-year-old Walsh, commonly called ‘Cuddy’, needed requisite identification or an armband to gain access to that area of the ground.

The release noted that on being made aware of the incident at the security post, the JCA executive tried to resolve the matter, but their intervention was unsuccessful as Walsh had already left Sabina Park.

President Lyndel Wright, who was said to be off the island at the time, extended apologies to Walsh the following day, as soon as he became aware of the issue.

“This situation is unfortunate and the JCA accepts that. We offer the assurance to all that we are taking the opportunity to review our operational procedures, especially as it relates to how we receive

our icons.

“Ambassador Walsh is always welcome to Sabina Park, as we take the necessary steps to continue our long and amicable relationship with this great Jamaican,” the release continued.

Shortly after the incident, secretary of the JCA Fritz Harris said he was aware of the “unfortunate” incident and had sent an apology to Walsh, but he added that the security officer was following instructions.

“I am aware of what happened. It’s really an unfortunate situation. In fact, I sent Cuddy an apology and also reminded him of the security policy, but I have not yet received a response.

“The security officer was right… they are given strict instructions not to allow people without IDs to enter,” the JCA secretary told the Observer.

Walsh, a cricket ambassador, played for the West Indies between 1984 and 2001, and took 519 Test wickets in 132 matches at an average of 24.44.