Guyana welcomes Masters World Cup teams; President Ali backs 2027 T20 bid

Guyana officially welcomed 15 teams to the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup on Friday evening with a celebration of local culture and hospitality at the National Stadium, Providence, ahead of today’s opening four matches.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, the tournament’s patron, also pledged his support for the Cricket West Indies Masters Association’s (CWIMA) bid to host the IMC T20 World Cup in 2027.
The President joined IMC Chairman Stirling Hamman for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open the competition, which will feature 59 matches at 10 venues across Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo before concluding on October 31.
President Ali, Hamman, CWIMA President Raj Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, addressed the players, supporters and stakeholders gathered at Providence.
Extending a warm welcome to the visiting teams, Ali congratulated Singh, Jacobs and the Local Organising Committee on their preparations and efforts to put the tournament in place.
Jacobs said the presence of former international players across several squads should contribute to a competitive tournament. He also congratulated the players on earning the opportunity to represent their countries on the international stage.
The cool evening and relaxed atmosphere provided a welcome gathering before attention shifts to the field, where hosts of the West Indies Masters face Australia at Providence from 09:30 hrs today.
Three other matches begin simultaneously. Defending champions South Africa meet Canada at the Georgetown Cricket Club, the United States face England at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, and the rest of the Caribbean take on Pakistan at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.
Former West Indies Captain Denesh Ramdin leads an experienced home squad that includes fellow former regional Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devendra Bishoo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Narsingh Deonarine and Hemnarine Chattergoon. The group brings together experience gained at international, Guyana and Berbice levels.
The tournament was initially planned for 16 teams and 72 matches, but Sri Lanka’s late withdrawal because of visa and travel complications prompted a revised schedule.
Each of the remaining 15 teams will play six league matches, with games contested over 45 overs per side. Overall standings will determine progression to the semi-final and placement stages.
Joining West Indies, Australia, South Africa, Canada, the United States, England, Pakistan and the rest of the Caribbean are Namibia, Colombia, Wales, India, New Zealand, Scotland and the rest of the world.
Hosted by CWIMA, the competition brings the Over-40s World Cup to the Caribbean for the first time. The expanded field and presence of experienced players have helped build expectations for a highly competitive edition.
Matches will also take the tournament beyond Demerara. Albion will host games in Berbice, while the Anna Regina National Stadium and Joe Jagmohan Ground will stage fixtures in Essequibo.
General admission is free, allowing supporters across the three counties to watch the visiting teams and former international players throughout the competition.
The World Cup final will be played at the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday, October 31.