BCB starts planning for historic semi- professional tournament in 2021

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) had earlier this year unveiled plans to host a historic semi-professional cricket tournament, but was unfortunately forced to temporarily shelve those plans because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The BCB 2020 cricket season was suspended in early March, and would likely restart in the second quarter of 2021; but, vibrant as ever, the board has used the last eight months to put into place several plans with the objective of hitting the ground running whenever the Government gives the green light for sports to restart.
The BCB has meanwhile been involved in a COVID-19 response effort; countywide coaching programme; securing sponsorships for activities; assisting clubs and youth players with cricket gear and equipment; and hosting numerous meetings with Government officials.
BCB President Hilbert Foster is heading a special committee that is tasked to make sure the proposed semi-professional tournament is successful. For the first season, the tournament would be played on a knockout basis with 12 teams being involved. Those teams are: Combined Upper Corentyne; Port Mourant; RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour; Albion; Rose Hall Canje; Young Warriors; Tucber Park; Police; Blairmont; West Berbice; East Bank Berbice, and Berbice River. East Bank Berbice and Berbice River teams would, for the first time, be playing in a BCB first division tournament.
Foster has disclosed that each player and team official would receive a financial stipend per match, with the amount rising for every match played in the tournament. A combined prize package of $1M has been proposed, with the winner taking home half that amount ($500,000)
The grounds to be used are: Albion; #69 Vikings; Rose Hall Canje, and Port Mourant; and two matches would be played at one venue for a day. The organisers are expected to cover the cost of cricket balls, transportation, meals, umpiring and scoring, while the final match is expected to be broadcasted live via Facebook and radio.
Foster has also disclosed that, if they so desire, a club can have one non-Berbician player in its squad. One highlight of the tournament would be a Say No/ Say Yes campaign by the twelve teams. The main objectives would be to get youths to Say No to Drugs and Yes to Education. The BCB President has expressed confidence that all of the plans would fall into place.
Foster and his executives have already met with incoming Honorary Patron of the BCB, Minister Vickram Bharrat, who has committed to making the tournament a success. Meetings with potential sponsors would start shortly, and Foster has disclosed that several major companies have already indicated great interest in participating.
Funds raised from the hosting of this tournament would be used to expand the county coaching programme; assist weaker first division clubs and players; and host the regular cricket tournaments at the junior, female and senior levels.