GCB launches inaugural Under-19 Franchise Tournament

…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.

General Marine Rep handing over sponsorship of Eagle’s team

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.

4R Rep, Isai Thorne (left), handing over sponsorship of Amazon Hawks to Bissoondyal Singh, GCB President

He said the vision the company has, and would like to share, is that the GCB maintains this league, and possibly expand on the number of teams that could be sponsored by various businesses.
Gainda posited that this tournament would greatly strengthen the relationship between the private sector and the GCB, and suggested that this approach would simultaneously provide mileage to the sponsors.
Gainda also thanked the GCB for offering Tropical Spring the opportunity to sponsor, and pledged the company’s continued support.
Ebullient Proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, told of his company’s delight in being a part of youth development, and pledged to donate all trophies for the tournament.
Colin Stuart, TDO of the GCB, outlining the structure of the tournament, indicated that it would have a round-robin format, with the winner being decided on a points system, which may necessitate the use of net run rate to determine the champion where two or more teams end the final round on equal points.
The tournament will progress as follows: On Saturday May 29, Falcons will play Eagles.
On Sunday May 30, Eagles will battle Amazon Hawks, while on Saturday June 5, Amazon Hawks will challenge Falcons.
The GCB trusts this tournament would help to give the U-19 players opportunity to be selected in the CWI U-19 preparatory activities for the 2022 World Cup.
The GCB has arranged for an independent match to be played upon conclusion of the tournament on Sunday June 6. It would involve the best performers from the tournament.
All matches would commence at 10:00 hours.
The link for the livestream is: https://youtu.be/W1d9no_WTqg

The teams are:
Falcons: Matthew Nandu (Capt) Sheldon Charles, Sarwan Chaitnarine, Tomani Caesar, Jason Holder, Addul Ramsammy, Jeremy Sandia, Andre Seepersaud (Vice Capt). Brandon Jaikaran, Wazim Mohamed, Pavindra Ganesh, Rudranauth Kissoon, Ajay Gainda, Manager: Yeuraj Khemraj, Coach: Julian Moore
Eagles: Zeynul Ramsammy (Capt), Ricardo Ramdehol, Mavendra Dindyal (Vice Capt), Oren Gibson, Isai Thorne, Romal Hubbard, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Jonathan Rampersaud, Aryan Persaud, Daniel Mootoo, Chatram Balgobin, Nicko Vincent, Anthony Khan, Alvin Mohabir, Manager: Kumar Bissoondyal, Coach: Orin Bailey
Amazon Hawks: Marvan Prashad (Capt), Rampertab Ramnauth, Ushardeva Balgobin, Shamar Yearwood, Trevon Charles, Thaddius Lovell, Gourav Ramesh, Leon Cecil, Zachary Jodah (Vice Capt), Collis Noble, Niran Bissu, Anthony Williams, Jadesh Dowlatram. Manager: Shaun Massiah. Coach: Winston Smith.