Organisers bracing for “high-stakes” Lotto/Let’sBet conclusion

This Sunday in Anna Regina, four of the country’s best Tapeball teams, some bolstered by international talents, will lock horns in pursuit of a $2M grand prize in the.
GrillMaster Sip N’ Play All-Stars, Mahdia (Movements Family), SVC/AJM CC and Lusignan Bulls DTP II are the four teams left standing in the Lotto/ Let’sBet One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, following enthralling Tapeball action in zones across the country.

Months of competition will now come to a head at the Anna Regina National Stadium on Sunday, October 11, as the zonal champions battle for the title of National Champions.
The throne has been vacated since the ousting of defending champions Titans in the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone, and as such, it’s anybody’s game.
With just a few days left before the action unfolds, Tournament Director John Ramsingh described it as a golden opportunity for fans in the Cinderella County.
“This is the opportunity for fans because over the past few weeks of the tournament, you’ve seen the cricket on field has been unmatched really; rivalries, expectations in terms of who will win, who will do the big batting, big bowling,” Ramsingh shared in a recent interview.
“This is the opportunity for fans to really see fantastic cricket. They’re four of the best teams, four unbeaten teams against each other. I don’t think you can call matchups any closer than these; that’s why fans will be in for a treat from ball number one.”

He added, “This is the first time that such a major Tapeball tournament will be at that venue.”
As teams pad their rosters, the organisers have also boosted their personnel with the introduction of an international umpire and reviews.
“As organisers, we’ve gone through a checklist to confirm that everything is in perfect order, and that’s why we also call on the services of international umpire Zahid Bassarath, who’ll also be helping the local umpires,” Ramsingh shared.
“It’s just a matter of giving them a little extra confidence and so on, because these high-stakes matches can be a bit gruelling, especially on some nervous umpires. So, with the addition of an international umpire, that’s going to help us a lot in terms of on-field action.”
Turning his attention to video reviews, he explained, “Everyone knows Tournament for two main reasons: livestreaming and cricket. So, we’re bringing it together, using the technology to ensure that we have the best product in terms of cricketing fairness. Bowlers, batters, we’ll be doing boundary checks, line decisions, and there’s that option as well; it’s going to be a thin line, no-ball for height; it’s going to be there, and the technology is going to be there, so let’s use it.”
“That’s something I’ve always been advocating for, wherever I go. So, now that we have this opportunity, it’s the perfect time to roll it out.”
As the T10 Tapeball tournament grows, Ramsingh is elated to see the impact it has had on communities countrywide, especially with the demand in Essequibo this weekend.
The Tournament Director related, “When we started back in 2023, one of the pillars is to establish grassroots cricket and then grow it from there. What we’ve done for this tournament is to ensure that the economies we go to, in terms of the different zones, benefits. So, now for the final, the ferry you’ve got to book way in advance; it goes to show there’s a high demand. And then in terms of hotel rooms, you can’t find anyone right now.”
“It’s nice to see the chamber of commerce in Essequibo; they’re behind us because they’ve done things around the cricket as well to ensure that patrons going to Essequibo for the first time have a total package,” he further noted.
Sharing expectations for the on-field action, Ramsingh opined that it will be one to remember.
Ramsingh anticipated, “In terms of what you can expect, I know ding-dong battles for sure because all four teams that are standing still, they’re unbeaten and they’re making some changes from what we saw at the zine level. Those changes are making them stronger, and I don’t see how strong teams can get stronger.”
“But it means now, competition is going to get higher. I understand the Pakistanis are on their way, and someone is saying a few Trinidad and Tobago players may be on their way as well. When you look at names, it’s high stakes, but that might be an advantage for some of the specialist Tapeball players, as opposed to hardball players.”
“Whichever way it goes, I know it’s going to be a tournament to remember,” the organiser vowed.
GrillMaster Sip N Play All-Stars will lock horns with Mahdia (Movements Family) at 14:30h in Semi-final One, while SVC/AJM CC battles Lusignan Bulls DTP II at 16:30h in the second semi.
Then, a fast-paced six-over women’s exhibition match between Tapakuma (Elite Warriors) and Capoey United will punctuate the men’s action. That game is fixed for 18:30h.
The Lotto/Let’sBet final is scheduled for 19:30h.
Organisers have confirmed free admission for all spectators, though they will enforce a strict no-cooler policy at the gates.
The championship-winning team will cart off $2M, while the second-place finisher will have to settle for $1M. Both losing semi-finalists will pocket $500,000 each.
In addition, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player will drive away on a brand-new motorbike in addition to a $150,000 cash prize. Substantial windfalls also await the leading run-scorer and top wicket-taker, who will each receive $100,000 and a television set.
Match-winning impact will be similarly recognised: the Player of the Final will earn $75,000, while the players finishing with the Super Strike Rate and Best Economy Rate (minimum 12 balls bowled or faced) will each pocket $50,000.