Millions up for grabs, Nadir envisions regional club competition
In a simple ceremony held at the GCB Board Room in the top flat of the Guyana Cricket Board’s administration office, the Speaker’s T20 tournament was launched.
It will involve over 20 teams competing between themselves for the coveted championship honours, and would last from April 3 to May 5.
Delivering the feature address at the ceremony was Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, who said, “Whether it will be regarded as an assembly session, so that is the distinction. So, we want to promote most people don’t do the distinction. Most people take very lightly the democratic culture which we have inherited and have grown over the decades, and sport is one of the most effective media to bring messages to people.
“So, isn’t the connection. And we want to see that work more amongst sporting personalities. Why I use this is because our sports persons do more to promote the good name locally and internationally than many other persons. We have Shahrukh Khan came here and he asked for Chanderpaul. Yes, you know, this competition we have a lot of local heroes that people look up to. And this is going to be an opportunity for the National Assembly to use the good work of cricketers to promote this democratic culture.
“I see a regional club competition evolving in the Caribbean.”
Also sharing his sentiments at the launching was GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie, who noted that it has been some time since a national competition has been planned.
Sanasie said sponsorship has been one of the greatest issues, but he reiterated that the Guyana Cricket Board is always ready to partner with anyone to take the game across the country.
The GCB Secretary also stated that with the launching of a tournament of this kind, many can expect it to be a yearly event. “As the tournament grow, I guess clubs will understand that, as you develop players, you can also get benefits back in the future. I enjoy seeing the juggling between clubs as to who would lay claim on players, especially those that have already made their names nationally. It goes to show that there is great interest, there will be great competition. And I would hope that we play in a safe environment.
“As we know, we will not be having large crowds at any of these venues. Once we get started, we have to adhere to the provisions of our core mission: to play by the COVID rules.” Sanasie said.
Banks DIH PRO Troy Peters related that the beverage giant, through its Banks beer brand, is proud to be on board. He also said the beverage giant has always had a special place in its heart for cricket, and hopes that everyone remains safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the best team comes out successful.
Fully registered 1st Division teams from Berbice include Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (Albion), Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS (RHTY&SC-MS), Tucber Park Cricket Club, and West Berbice CC. Among the teams from the East Coast Demerara are the Lusignan Sports Club. In Georgetown, the teams expected to participate include the University of Guyana Trojans Cricket Team, Everest Cricket Club, Police Sports Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Gandhi Youth Organization Sports Club (Regal), Demerara Cricket Club and Georgetown Cricket Clubs. West Demerara will have participating teams such as Rising Stars Cricket Club, Canal No. 2, New Wales Superstars, Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club, Belle Vue Sports Club, Cornelia Ida. Bacchus Sports will be the main representative team from Essequibo.
The championship offers teams the opportunity to vie for Gy$1M worth of prizes. That is, in attaining the championship title and securing the team with player that will be awarded as the most valuable player of the tournament. Apart from the main prize attractions, teams have the opportunity to win other consolation prizes, inclusive of a valuable $500,000 2nd place prize, $200,000 3rd place prize, and $ 100,000 4th place prize, among other prizes.
