GCB backs stronger development pathway after CWI batting camp

Ten batters and more than a dozen local coaches benefited from a Cricket West Indies (CWI) territorial batting camp at the National Stadium, with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) welcoming the programme as an important contribution to its player development efforts.

Led by CWI batting consultant Bob Carter, the camp ran from Tuesday, October 6, to Friday, October 9, and included three net sessions. Training focused on improving individual batting skills, refining technique and helping players execute different shots against pace and spin bowling.
GCB President Bissoondyal Singh said the initiative supported the Board’s vision of creating a structured and sustainable pathway for Guyanese cricketers, while contributing to the wider development of West Indies cricket.
“Player development cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires a coordinated approach involving technical training, coaching education, talent identification and continuous exposure to modern cricketing methodologies,” Singh said.
He explained that the camp complemented the GCB’s ongoing work to strengthen its development structure by giving players and coaches access to the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to progress.
Singh also stressed the importance of collaboration between CWI and the territorial boards. He said stronger coaching systems, improved technical ability and clear opportunities for advancement at the territorial level would help produce stronger Guyanese teams and support a more competitive West Indies side.
GCB Cricket Operations Manager Anthony D’Andrade said the programme gave participating batters valuable technical guidance, with attention paid to basic aspects of their game.
“The focus mainly was on tweaking basic things for the batters, like setup and execution of different types of shots, and facing pace and spin bowling,” D’Andrade said.
The benefits also extended to more than 12 coaches from franchise, county and association levels, including representatives from Linden, Essequibo and Berbice.
D’Andrade explained that most of those coaches had previously been exposed to programmes covering batting, bowling and fielding together. The camp’s exclusive focus on batting offered a different perspective on planning sessions and using more targeted training methods.
The GCB expects that combining technical instruction for players with practical learning opportunities for coaches will support development at various levels of the game across Guyana.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to working with CWI and other stakeholders to build a sustainable, integrated pathway that allows Guyanese cricketers to progress and contributes to the long-term success of West Indies cricket.
It also thanked CWI High Performance Manager Dwain Gill for his support, coordination and commitment to the successful delivery of the camp.