First CPL selection a reward for my hard work-Gajanand Singh

BY Delvon McEwan

Guyanese batsman Gajanand Singh will be involved in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the first time after being bought by Guyana Amazon Warriors for US$7,500 at the draft for the fifth edition of the League in Barbados on Friday.

It is an initial breakthrough for the talented left handed batsman subsequent to two previous entrance in drafts where he went unsold. A moment he has eagerly anticipated.

“I’ve been in the draft for three years now and before that, when I was in the USA, I always wanted to play but circumstances were different then and I’m really

looking forward to the tournament.”

His selection comes approximately two months after a superb display at the University of the West Indies (UWI) T20 tournament in Trinidad and Tobago where he scored 328 runs from five innings, only getting out once, as he guided Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) to the final of that tournament rounding off a good year for the 29 year old Berbician, who is ecstatic about his selection to compete in Warriors’ colours.

“It’s definitely been a good year, I’m really happy….ecstatic at this moment knowing that I’m blessed with the opportunity to represent Guyana Amazon Warriors at the CPL this year”, said Singh, who also stated that it is no surprise he was rewarded for his hard work and progress shown over the past dozen months, with the biggest contributing factor for his selection being his performance for DCC in Trinidad.

Singh was lost in the mix after his last first class outing in 2011, however, now that he is back in the mix he plans to give a more productive efforts to fulfil his dream. He plans to get down to business with his bat.

As early as youth cricket Singh was earmarked as one for the future, however, after playing at the ICC U-19 Youth World Cup and debuting at the first class level two years later, he faded from the scene. There were always concerns of his absence from the local scene. Nevertheless after a hiatus from the game he resumed playing in professional leagues outside of Guyana and due to his strides in those leagues he was encouraged to pursue his original dream which is to play at the international level.

Every step he takes he is getting closer and he believes once he is given a fair opportunity he will reached there quickly base on self-application and maturity.

Singh was tuned into the draft from the time it started, watching it live on social media in his home in Trinidad where he is staying for his stint with Central Sports Club in the Premier Division One League.

He is grateful for the support from his family, friends and players. Special mention was made of DCC for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to play in the UWI T20 tournament.

Guyana Times Sport in January featured Singh in its Sport Column “Lost in the Mix” because he fell in a category of talented players, who either vanish off the scenes or are not being properly utilized by the Cricket Administrators. There was also an exclusive in this paper on January 19 which focus on the player’s return to cricket and development. We at this publication would love to wish Singh the best on his new journey.