…E-Networks partners for live streaming and commentary
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)has launched its inaugural Under-19 Franchise Tournament, in collaboration with the following businesses: General Marine, Tropical Spring, Trophy Stall, 4R, and E-Networks.
The launching was done in the GCB Boardroom on Friday, May 28.
It has been proposed that the tournament be an annual event conducted after the annual Inter-County Under-19 tournaments. This Franchise Tournament would present a select pool of talented players involved in a series of competitive trial matches, the first of which is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 29 at the National Stadium at Providence from 10:00 hours.
Three teams would be involved in Saturday’s proceedings; namely Falcons, Eagles and Amazon Hawks, respectively captained by Matthew Nandu, Zeynul Ramsammy and Marvan Prasad.
At the launch, President Bissoondyal Singh, who outlined the purpose of the tournament, indicated that because CWI was unable to host Regional Under-19 tournaments in 2020 and 2021, the executives of the GCB have decided that this tournament (which would be livestreamed with commentary) would provide valuable feedback to the CWI selectors and relevant coaching staff on players’ ability and current form.
Singh indicated that the players would be able to showcase their talents to a wider audience within Guyana, the West Indies region, and beyond. He mentioned that the Franchise Tournament would create a competitive trial match environment in a teamwork context, as against a heavy focus on individual player’s performances. This would provide the national selectors with a good indicator of the players’ form, and provide players with more opportunities for national selection, since it would build on their club, association and county tournament performances.
Singh was high in praise of the sponsors who readily came onboard. He thanked them for their invaluable contribution, and wished their businesses continued excellence.
Representing General Marine, Floyd Allen indicated that the company is privileged to be associated with the GCB and other sponsors in running off this tournament. He wished the players every success in their endeavours.
Teenage national player Isai Thorne, a former West Indies Under-16 player, presented the 4R sponsorship cheque to president of the GCB, Mr. Bissoondyal Singh.
Allen praised the GCB for taking the initiative to give Under-19 players opportunity to play cricket at such a competitive level. He indicated that, based on feedback, players are keen to participate and to have an outside chance of being involved in the West Indies ongoing preparatory activities for the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Representing Tropical Spring, Aravinda Gainda said the company is very pleased to again be part of the GCB activities. He remarked that this was Tropical Spring’s second engagement in sponsoring GCB’s cricket. He indicated that Tropical Spring is looking forward for another successful partnership, and indicated that their decision to sponsor the Falcons Under-19 Team is based on the company’s belief that investing in youths is the best way to proceed with cricket development.
