By Calvin Roberts
A plethora of present and future stars will be on show this weekend at the Blairmont Community Centre (BCC) ground when the second annual Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Pepsi/Carib beer sponsored Inter-county 20/20 cricket competition bowls off.
The competition which is being sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Ansa Mc Al Limited was officially launched at a simple ceremony held in the boardroom of the GCB. President Chetram Singh informed those gathered that 20/20 cricket is the most popular form of the game at the moment.
“As we are all aware, 20/20 cricket is the most popular form of cricket being played at the moment and is the form of the game that is drawing back cricket fans to the sport. It is with this in mind that we are looking forward to a very thrilling and exciting tournament this weekend, with the final which is set for next Friday being played under the lights.”
Singh further stated that the Blairmont Community Centre ground was selected as the venue to host the preliminary round matches as the fans, whether from Berbice or Demerara, pack the few available stands at that venue for 50-over competitions as well as three- day cricket.
DDL’s Pepsi Brand executive Alana Johnson in her remarks stated that her company was pleased to be associated with the GCB in this venture for the second successive year. She noted that a promise was made for the sponsorship of the competition and they are committed to keeping their promise.
“DDL has always supported the regional game called cricket, as we have an unwavering commitment towards the development of sports. Pepsi is a beverage which is all about fun and excitement, so it is only fitting that this product is associated with 20/20 cricket whish is also fun and exciting.”
“In addition, the final will be played under lights which makes the game more fun and exhilarating, thus it is only fitting that Pepsi join the band and come on board with this competition once again. Much will be at stake in this tournament since the national team is seeking to regain its 20/20 glory at the Regional level.”
In closing, Johnson stated that DDL and Pepsi are eagerly looking forward to an electrifying tournament with outstanding performances.
Like Johnson earlier, Marketing Assistant of Ansa Mc Al Anjeta Hinds informed those gathered that apart from the actual sponsorship of the competition itself, her company will be having many promotions throughout the tournament.
“We want to make this one of the best ever 20/20 competitions that’s being played here locally. In so doing, there will be a party mound with music and give-aways during the tournament, as we plan to make it an exciting and enthralling one not only for the players, but the fans as well.”
On Saturday from 13:30hrs, defending champions Demerara led by Guyana/Stanford 20/20 opening batsman Travis Dowlin will face up to Berbice who may be missing the services of national middle-order batsman Gajanand Singh.
No doubt, national players who represented this country in the recently held West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s Cup competition, and will be doing so for their county in this competition, will be looking to redeem themselves, following Guyana’s failure to make the semifinal stage in the tournament which was won by Trinidad and Tobago.
For Demerara not only Dowlin whose batting was sound in the tournament, but Singh, all-rounder Chris Barnwell, Rajendra Chandrika, Shemroy Barrington and to an extent Ravi Sarwan will all be looking to prove the Demerara selectors right with their choices.
Add Steven Jacobs, Krishna Deosarran, Dion Ferrier, wicketkeeper/batsman Maxwell Fraser and all-rounder Kellon Carmichael to the fray, and there is no way they cannot repeat as champions of this tournament which they won in its inaugural year last year.
On the other hand, Berbice will be hoping that their opening batsmen in Richard Ramdeen and Maxie De Jonge, who are capable batsmen in their own right, can give their team a formidable start for the middle-order to build on.
