…PM Phillips looking forward to large fanbase as COVID restrictions lifted
– Yusuf’s 159* highlights day 1
Photos and Story by Timothy Jaikarran
The action in the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup officially commenced in and around the beautiful city of Georgetown. The opening ceremony was a spectacle to behold, as the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, himself bowled off the first ball of the tournament at the MYO Ground, while urging the players to enjoy themselves as three days of riveting action commences.
The Prime Minister greeting the players
In his feature address to all the teams present, the Prime Minister said, “We have female teams this year, so we have grown from just a tournament with male teams to having female teams; so, I consider this a complete tournament now.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips standing with GSCL President Ian John and Regal Captain Mahendra Hardyal
“Internationally, in the world, cricket is not an all-male sport, we have female teams participating in all levels of sport. So, it’s just natural that the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup, as it grows, it will have female teams. So, congratulations to the organizers.
“We also have more sponsors in the 6th edition, as compared to the previous editions; so, congratulations to the sponsors! And thank you for believe in this tournament and participating in the growth of the tournament through your tremendous support over the years.”
PM Phillips bowled the first ball of the tournament
Phillips further related that while this year the weather has been challenging, it should be noted that it is also the year without COVID-19. He said that for the last two editions, the pandemic affected the tournament, as restrictions had to be followed; however, with those restrictions lifted, he is optimistic there will be a larger fanbase coming out to support the teams in the grand finale at the Stadium.
“This year is the biggest tournament, and the best team, like in any cricket tournament, will emerge and win. Let’s have a good tournament; we don’t want any controversy, and as I would always say, the umpire’s decision is final.
“Congratulations to all of you here who are participating. I know there are teams here from overseas. Welcome home, and let’s have a good tournament, and may the best team win,” Phillips shared.
There will be three male categories, and those are: the Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open (all ages). Over two million dollars are up for grabs. The winning team in each category is set to collect $600,000, while the champion lady side would cart off $200,000.
Phillips smashes the first ball
Highlighting the action on day one was Uniss Yusuf in the Legends category. Regal Legends duked it out with Trophy Stall, the one-sided affair seeing Regal post 330-1 in their 20 overs, as Yusuf blasted an unbeaten 159. He was ably supported by Ramesh Narine, who notched 116 not out. In reply Trophy Stall could muster only 56-8 in 14 overs, as rain stopped play, thus handing Regal an easy win.
Meanwhile, in the Open category, SC Allstars were bundled out for 34 by Regal Allstars. Kelvin Orfore, Delroy Pereira and Greg Singh bagged two wickets each. In reply, Regal ended on 39-1 in 7.1 overs, as Sachin Singh top-scored with 14.
In their next open game, Regal posted 107-8 against City Allstars. Sewchan Budhoo top-scored with 35, while Amir Khan bagged 2 wickets. In reply, City Allstars ended on 83-3 in 12 overs, with Jonathan Rampersaud scoring 18 as the rains came. As a result, Regal won due to a better net run rate.
The other open game witnessed Speedboat duking it out with SC Allstars. Speedboat posted 196-6, with Vickash Dhaniram scoring 77, Beepaul Bandoo bagging 2-47, and Chris Sukhram posting 2-13. In reply, SC Allstars ended on 96-4 in 9.3 overs due to the rain. Bandoo was the top scorer with 30, but Speedboat won due to a better net run rate.
