Fixtures for Kares’ “One Guyana” T10 Blast hints at thrilling action
The 32 teams are confirmed, and now the fixtures are out for the inaugural Kares’ “One Guyana” T10 Tape ball Blast, set for July 29 and 30 in Georgetown.
The fixtures, computer-generated to avoid any bias in the selection and to offer a fair chance for every team to make the semi-finals, have hinted at cracking action from match one: from 09:00h on Saturday, July 29.
The ten-overs-per-side tournament will be played in a straight knockout format, with opening day matches being played at the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Police Sports Club Ground, and Queen’s College Ground, while the semi-finals and grand final will be on July 30 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.
To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two. They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially-crafted One Guyana Trophy.
Commenting on the draw, the Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh, has said, “We, as a team, were stunned after the fixtures were generated, and I truly believe it will be like a final from match one. I wish I could be in three places at once, to watch all of the matches, but I can’t. So, I hope fans come out in their numbers and do the same, keep taking photos and videos.”
He added, “It is hard to pick any favoured side, and we love that it gives all teams a fair chance to reach the final four, where there will be cash prizes. My wish again is for teams to follow the rules and be respectful of the umpires, whose call is final. The finals are expected to be streamed live, and we want to show the world we have a quality product in Guyana.”
Ramsingh noted that teams have until July 14 to submit final squads, after previously submitting preliminary squads.
Furthermore, the Co-Director has expressed immense gratitude for the support of Kares Engineering, who quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and to Mohamed’s Enterprise, who funded the first-place prize and offset the transportation cost for team Moruca.
Banks DIH, through the GT Beer, is being thanked for fuelling the weekend. Star Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., ENet, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, V-Net Communications, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, Cricket Zone USA, Beacon Café, Continental Transport; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc. Impressions Inc. and Sicko Mode are all likewise being thanked for their participation in making this tournament possible.
The inaugural champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000. The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.
Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match. The winning side thereof will be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charity of their choice.
The celebrity match will feature the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; former national and international cricketers, entertainers, sponsors, media members, athletes, former and current Ministers, and other influential persons in Guyana.
The Co-Director has revealed that it is not only players who will walk away with their pockets filled, as there will be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricket novelty activities. At the same time, the children will be pampered with free rides, games, and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.
Round of 32 fixtures:
Matches starting at 09:00h
Eccles All Stars vs Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security vs Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College Ground
Avinash All-Stars vs PB Contractors – Queen’s College Ground
Continental Transport vs Moruca XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Eastsye vs Airport XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
The United Crew vs Spartan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Village Rams vs Young Steppaz – Police Sports Club
Ministry of Housing & Water vs Central Stars – Police Sports Club
Matches starting at 11:00h
Ariel XI vs Movements Family – Queen’s College Ground
Big B’s Blairmont Blazers vs MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground
Team Corruption vs Upsetters – Queen’s College Ground
Guyana Power & Light vs Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground
1Name Brand vs Storm Chasers – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Tarmac Titans vs EC Express – Guyana Defence Force Ground
Diamond Gunners vs Region Three Police – Police Sports Club
Avery Lounge vs V-Net Vipers – Police Sports Club
Round of 16 matches commence at 13:30h at all three venues, while Super Eight matches start at 16:00h and will be held at Police and Guyana Defence Force grounds only.
The semi-finals and final are on July 30 at Everest Cricket Ground.