The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday disassociated itself from the upcoming DJ Stress 20/20 cricket festival which is scheduled to be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Labour Day.
According to a press release, the GCB stated that decency and courtesy would have demanded that the organizer of the tournament seek permission of the Board or simply alert it of the activity and the planned use of the players.
But president of the GCB Chetram Singh told Stabroek Sport that they have no authority to sanction the tournament, as they have no control over the players.
“Persons have been calling the GCB enquiring about complimentary passes for this fiesta. I want to make it clear that the GCB cannot and will not give of its support to this event. We have no control over the players because they have no contract with us,” said Singh.
“Whilst we welcome the initiative being taken by the promoter of this event which promises to be a feature one that could stimulate tremendous interest amongst the cricketing public, and further promote the game’s popularity, we are concerned about the disorderly approach to the organizing of the game.”
“With the above-mentioned circumstances in mind, the GCB must totally disassociate itself from any effort which so blatantly disregards and disrespects the need for an orderly approach to the organization of Guyana’s cricket.”
Meanwhile organizer of the festival, Paul Bonar, aka DJ Stress, told Stabroek Sport that he had spoken with the “top brass” of the GCB who informed him that everything was ok, but he is surprised at the GCB’s claims about the tournament being disorganized.
”I met with some of the top executives of the GCB on this tournament and yes they did state that a disclaimer would be issued, which I readily supported. I even met with the president of the GCB alone along with my lawyer and we discussed a few things with regards to the festival.”
Bonar said further, “This can only do well for cricket. Publicity of this one day festival began way before the two limited overs internationals between England and the West Indies. I have spoken to business entities such as GT&T, Sterling Products, Gizmos and Gadgets and Banks DIH, who have agreed to come onboard and make this a success.
I must state that I am disturbed at the GCB’s remarks which claim that a disorderly approach to the organizing of the game is being done, for it is not so.”
