GCA optimistic of approval for resumption of cricket

By Timothy Jaikarran

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) had many plans for cricket in 2019, but, in the blink of an eye, the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm and everything came to a halt.
The players could no longer do what they loved the most, and that was, give their all on the field over the weekends. But things are looking a bit positive in 2021, despite COVID-19 still being on the scene.

Chairman of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA’s) Competitions Committee, Shaun Massiah, is optimistic about this impending season, as he is hopeful that permission would be granted for the restart of cricket.
This publication sat down with Massiah and asked him a series of questions:
Q1: What is the GCA looking forward to in the new year?
A: First of all, we, the GCA, are looking forward for the approval from the Task Force to resume cricket, as well as good weather. Should we get the approval, we would convene a meeting with our affiliated clubs, (and) would set out our rules pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic (obtained) from the Task Force, as well as what should be done before, during and after at a venue and a cricket match.
Next, we have our Elections coming up on the 28th of January, 2021, and hopefully, when that is done, the new executives can carry on the good work.
Q2: What would you urge the players to do as they wait?
A: I can only urge all players to keep themselves as fit as possible. Keep doing some self-training in terms of ball and socks; bowling to a stump or stumps; or train in groups of 5, even if it is throw-downs, by hitting at least 300 balls per day or more, based on their time.
They can also play some table tennis just to keep their reflexes and hand-eye coordination. They can also do a lot of skipping, and some shuttles like a Beep test, among other exercises.
Q3: How soon, and what is in the works if there is to be a restart of GCA cricket?
A: Once we get that approval, and (we get) good weather, we can see a resumption as early as 16th January or the 23rd January 2021. We have our first and 2nd division 2-day competition to complete, as well as our 2nd division 40- over to complete; and if all is well, there are a lot of other new competitions to start, such as 1st division 50 overs; under 13, 15,17, & 19 competitions; Under 23 1st and 2nd division 2-day; 1st and 2nd division T/20, among some other competitions that are in the pipeline. We at the GCA are still calling on all to maintain the COVID-19 protocols throughout this year as you go about your business and sports.
Massiah has said,” Happy new year to all our sponsors and potential sponsors, captains, coaches, curators, executives of our affiliated clubs, members and sports journalists of the media/press, the Umpires and Scorers Association, players, parents, friends of cricket and supporters. Thanks for (your) cooperation in 2020, and we hope we can continue to work even closer this year. God bless us all.”