GSCL President Ian John grateful to businessman Patrick Khan for donation

…Women’s cricket is on the rise – John

By Timothy Jaikarran

The sixth edition of the PMT20 Cup promises to be lots of fun in the sun, as the tournament has attracted many sponsors. Recently, businessman Patrick Khan of Khan’s Trading Enterprise donated a total of one million dollars to the GSCL Inc in support of the four categories in the tournament.

GSCL Inc President Ian John has said he is extremely grateful to Khan for his kind gesture. Khan has given $300,000 each to the Masters O40, Masters O50 and Allstars category, taking the prize monies to $600,000 in the three respective categories.
Khan also gave $100,000 to the female category, which will now take their prize money to $200,000. Speaking on the donation, GSCL Inc President Ian John said, “With regards to Patrick Khan, he has been a very passionate cricketer, and his love for softball is a testimony to that. He always plays cricket to the extreme, and he always feels he has the chance to get out of any situation, whether he is batting first or bowling first. His contribution is very timely, and on behalf of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, we want to show our appreciation in thanking him, and may his business continue to grow over on the East Bank Demerara area.”
John is optimistic that this kind of contribution from Khan would be an eye-opener to other businesses to contribute towards the competition. John explained that the donation from Khan brought back memories of the late Lakeram ‘Mike’ Singh of Wellman, who passed away in Florida this year. He noted that the late Singh would have done just as Khan did, as he did not need much formalities.
John relayed that Singh in particular would be missed in the softball fraternity, as he was a regular feature in softball around Guyana.
“I use this opportunity to also thank Mahendra Hardyal, who has always been there for softball in Guyana. He is the owner of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre. He is also the captain of the Legends O50 team. He also does this kind of spontaneous kind of sponsorship, and always wants to enhance everything in and around him. He is very passionate about these kinds of tournaments, and his business is always there whenever the need arises,” John shared.
John also shed light on the first ever women’s category in the tournament. He divulged that it is important that a strong message is sent, especially with the involvement of women, as it is his belief that even schools can form teams, since women’s cricket is on the rise.
He also said there is much at stake for women in general, owing to the fact that softball is the first form of cricket before elevating to higher levels. He clarified that the softball way is the correct way to build the passion for the game, and from there women can go on from strength to strength and even represent the West Indies Women’s team.
“So, it is important that we start this journey for the women, and they appreciate it and come out and play hard cricket. We want the best team to win. Respect your fellow players, and respect the umpire’s decision,” he admonished.
This year, the tournament will commence on November 11, and conclude on November 13. John is hopeful that this year the teams will be able to play in close proximity, utilising the various grounds in Georgetown. He shared that the grand finale would be held at the National Stadium at Providence, and fans can expect four times the action with the four finals set to be played.