Singh, Jacobs fine-tune plans for IMC Over-40s World Cup

Preparations for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup have intensified, with Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) President Raj Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport Steven Jacobs discussing venues, security, medical services, and immigration arrangements.
The 16-team, 45-over tournament will be staged across Guyana from October 17 to November 1, with close to 350 players expected to participate. The final will be played at the National Stadium, Providence.
Singh and Jacobs met on Friday at the Ministry’s Main Street office in Georgetown, where plans for the tournament’s official launch were among the main topics discussed. The launch is scheduled for October 9, with the Georgetown Cricket Club ground at Bourda and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall being considered as possible venues.

Both officials believe the launch will provide an exciting start to the global tournament, which will bring several of the world’s leading master cricket teams to Guyana.
Plans were also reviewed for the opening and closing ceremonies, which are expected to showcase Guyana’s culture. The opening ceremony will be held at the Railway Courtyard on October 16 and is expected to accommodate approximately 500 guests.
The closing ceremony will take place at the Police Officers’ Mess following the Grand Cup final.
Matches will be played at venues across Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo. Singh and Jacobs said work has begun to ensure the grounds are ready for the historic tournament.
Albion, Enmore, Lusignan and Malteenoes are undergoing refurbishment, while GCC, DCC, Police, the Anna Regina Stadium, the Joe Jagmohan ground at Hampton Court and Meten-Meer-Zorg are also expected to host matches.
Security and emergency medical arrangements were also discussed, particularly since six or seven matches are expected to be played simultaneously on some days. The officials stressed the need for strict security protocols to protect the players and their travelling families.
Defending champions South Africa will headline the participating teams, alongside Australia, England, New Zealand, the West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Wales, India, Colombia, Canada, the United States, Namibia, a Rest of the World XI and a Rest of the Caribbean XI.
Jacobs has committed the Government’s assistance in expediting visas for players who require permission to enter Guyana. Visas for the Sri Lankan team have already been granted following his intervention with the Ministry of Home Affairs and its Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally.
The tournament is also expected to provide Guyana with an opportunity to promote its tourism attractions, including the iconic Kaieteur Falls. Jacobs has arranged for Singh to meet with Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Susan Rodrigues in the coming week to explore opportunities connected to the event.
The tournament will be organised by IMC in collaboration with CWIMA.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will serve as patron of the tournament and is expected to bowl the historic first ball.
The previous IMC Over-40s World Cup was held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024.