President Ali backs expansion of One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his commitment to the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, signalling continued growth for the tournament following a meeting with organisers at State House to approve plans for its fourth edition.
The 2026 tournament is set to bowl off in early August and will again be staged across all three counties, with organisers introducing a zonal format to manage an increasing number of teams. Matches will be played across four primary zones: Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, Essequibo, and Georgetown/East Coast Demerara.

President Ali, who serves as patron of the competition, said the tournament has developed into an important platform for identifying cricketing talent. He pointed to the rise of players such as Quentin Sampson, who transitioned from the tape-ball circuit to regional representation, as evidence of its impact.
“The expansion has made this tournament a true breeding ground for talent,” the President said. “It’s about giving notoriety to the nation’s best while fostering unity through sport.”
A key adjustment for this year’s edition is the expansion of the female category. Following a Presidential directive, organisers have integrated more women’s matches into the main schedule, with games set to receive equal billing and increased visibility, including prime-time slots.
Another major change will see the National Finals moved from their traditional venue to the Anna Regina National Stadium in Essequibo. The mid-October showpiece is intended to decentralise major sporting events while reflecting the nationwide reach of the competition.
Organisers also outlined plans for an international tapeball tournament later this year, which is expected to feature top local players competing against invited teams from Asia, North America and the Caribbean. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Guyana’s position in sport tourism while providing exposure for local players on a wider stage.
Since its inception, the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has grown from a community-based activity into a prominent fixture on the national sporting calendar, attracting widespread corporate and institutional backing.
The 2025 edition received support from a range of partners, including Kares Engineering Inc., the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, the Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.