“It’s starting to look real now”: Regional Curator grateful for persisting good weather

With just a handful of days to go before the official commencement of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2022, several teams are enjoying good weather and great conditions in Guyana, in the warm-ups for the international event.

Practice sessions and warm-up games are currently being played at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Police Sports Club, Enmore Community Centre (ECC) and the Guyana National Stadium, and will continue up until the tournament officially commences this Friday.

However, inclement weather had previously posed a large threat to Guyana’s successfully hosting matches, as revealed by Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr just over a week ago. Expounding on this was Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Curator Kent Crafton, who had similar fears as Guyana’s Sport Minister.
“Yes, we were a bit scared of Guyana. We needed the weather to give a little break early on, to be more advanced in our preparation, but that wasn’t forthcoming. We’re scraping through with the time we have, as long as the weather keeps the way it is now, we wouldn’t have any major issues at all,” the Regional Curator revealed during a briefing last week.
“I’m just happy because I know that Guyanese love their cricket, and I’m happy that at least it’s starting to look real now,” he added.
Even now, with proceedings well underway, Crafton says that inclement weather can still railroad some of the sessions at various grounds around Guyana.
He explained, “Absolutely. The only ground we wouldn’t have any problems with is here at Providence. Apart from that, all the other venues will pose some challenge if we do get rain – some more than others. But for sure, the rain would cause a problem.”
Nonetheless, Crafton is basking in the brilliant sunshine that has been on offer for the past few days, as he extended gratitude to the major players in Guyana’s hosting of the World Cup.
“Especially during that COVID period, it took some major effort by the Government of Guyana to ensure that that tournament takes place and I want to say thanks to everybody who’s making sure we remain safe here,” Crafton stated.
Practice matches will continue at the aforementioned venues up until Thursday, January 13. On Friday, January 14, the West Indies will come up against Australia in the tournament opener at the National Stadium, Providence while Sri Lanka take on Scotland at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC). On Saturday, January 15, Group B action will see India and South Africa battling at the National Stadium while Ireland and Uganda thrash it out at the ECC.